HomeMy WebLinkAbout10132025 City Council PacketSeward City Council
Agenda Packet
Photo by Kris Peck
Monday, October 13, 2025
City Council Chambers Beginning at 7:00 p.m.
1963 1965 2005
kintual
All-Amenca City
1
I I..
The City of Seward, Alaska
CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
City Council Chambers, 410 Adams Street
Please silence all cell phones and devices during the meeting
Mayor Sue McClure
Vice Mayor John Osenga
Council Member Randy Wells
Council Member Kevin Finch
Council Member Robert Barnwell
Council Member Julie Crites
Council Member Casie Warner
City Manager Kat Sorensen
Deputy City Manager Jason Bickling
City Clerk Kris Peck
City Attorney Sam Severin
Monday, October 13, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. PROCLAMATIONS AND AWARDS — None
5. CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR
PUBLIC HEARING (Those who have signed in will be given the first opportunity to speak.
Time is limited to 3 minutes per speaker and 36 minutes total time for this agenda item)
6. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA (*Approval of Consent Agenda passes
all items listed. Consent Agenda items are not considered separately unless a council member
requests an item be moved to New Business)
A. Minutes of Preceding Meeting
1) *Approval of the September 22, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes 5
B. Introduction of Ordinances — None
C. Resolutions
1) *Resolution 2025-099: Recommending Kenai Peninsula Borough Approval of the
Revised Preliminary Plat of the Property Located at 3207 Sorrel Road, Creating Spring
Creek Replat 10
7. IN -PERSON REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS
A. City Manager Report 24
B. City Clerk Report .39
C. City Attorney Report 40
City Council Meeting Agenda October 13, 2025 1 1 P a g e
D. Other Reports and Announcements — None
E. Presentations
1) City of Seward Information Technology Department
2) Project HOPE and Opioid Overdose Kits by Jessica Johnson
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Ordinances for Enactment
1) Ordinance 2025-014: Amending Seward City Code §15.10.140 Definitions for
Animal Shelter and Veterinary Hospital and § 15.10.226 Land Uses Allowed Table for
Veterinary Hospital 42
2) Ordinance 2025-015: Amending Seward City Code Chapter § 15.20 — Signs 48
3) Ordinance 2025-016: Amending Seward City Code § 15.10.140 Definitions for
Dwelling, Apartment, Commercial Building and Mixed -Use Development and Table
§15.10.226 Land Uses Allowed for Dwelling, Apartment in a Commercial
Building 66
B. Resolutions Requiring Public Hearing
1) Resolution 2025-096: Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into and Execute the
Purchase and Sale Agreement and Related Documents for the Purchase of 2.7 Acres of
Land, Physical Address 104 Benson Drive, Parcel 14502302, in the Amount of
$580,000 and Appropriating Funds 73
2) Resolution 2025-097: Resolution of the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska,
Authorizing Amendment No. 4 to Cooperative Agreement and an Amendment to the
Third Amended and Restated Agreement for Lease of Tract 2a, Waterfront Tracts and
the Lease, Operation and Maintenance of the Alaska SeaLife Center 104
9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS — None
10. NEW BUSINESS
A. Ordinances for Introduction — None
B. Resolutions
1) Resolution 2025-098: Approving the Bargaining Agreement Between the City of
Seward and the Seward Public Employees Association, Covering Terms and Conditions
of Employment for All Members of the Collective Bargaining Unit, Effective January
1, 2026 and Ending December 31, 2028 117
City Council Meeting Agenda October 13, 2025 2 1 P a g e
C. Other New Business
1) Certify the results of the October 7, 2025 Regular Municipal Election [Laydown]
2) Discuss adjustments to the regular City Council meetings in November and
December .190
11. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS
A. Upcoming City Council Meetings
1) Regular Meeting on Monday, October 27, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
B. Other items
1) Letter from Warner regarding upcoming meeting attendance 191
2) Letter from Warner regarding context of Project HOPE presentation 192
3) Update from Mike Brittain and the Prince William Sound Regional Citizen's
Advisory Council .193
4) Comprehensive Plan 2025 Survey Analysis .198
12. CITIZEN COMMENTS (There is no sign in for this comment period. Time is limited to five
minutes per speaker)
13. COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS AND RESPONSES TO CITIZEN
COMMENTS
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION — None
15. ADJOURNMENT
City Council Meeting Agenda October 13, 2025 3 1 P a g e
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Meeting Minutes
September 22, 2025 Volume 43, Page
CALL TO ORDER
The Monday, September 22, 2025 regular meeting of the Seward City Council was called to order
at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Sue McClure.
OPENING CEREMONY
Police Chief Louis Tiner led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
There were present:
Sue McClure, presiding, and
John Osenga
Kevin Finch
Randy Wells
Robert Barnwell
Julie Crites
Casie Warner
comprising a quorum of the Council; and
Kat Sorensen, City Manager
Jason Bickling, Deputy City Manager
Kris Peck, City Clerk
Jodi Kurtz, Deputy City Clerk
Excused — Finch
Absent — None
PROCLAMATIONS AND AWARDS
The Proclamation for Fire Prevention Month was read by Sue McClure and accepted by Fire Chief
Clinton Crites and Fire Marshal Tyler Mallory.
The Proclamation for Sister City Exchange Students was read by John Osenga and accepted by
the four Seward students and Julie Crites.
5
City of Seward, Alaska
September 22, 2025
City Council Meeting Minutes
Volume 43, Page
CITIZEN COMMENTS ON ANY
FOR PUBLIC HEARING
SUBJECT EXCEPT THOSE ITEMS SCHEDULED
Randy McFarland, outside city limits, spoke about the sign ordinance. He held up various
examples of signs including horizontal signs that were painted directly on the pavement. He also
mentioned how private businesses sometimes put up parking signs that affect public property. All
of these signs should be installed only by city officials, and not private business owners. Lastly,
McFarland wanted more clarification on snipe signs.
Tim McDonald, inside city limits, spoke about confusion with electric utility rates and the utility
itself. The electric utility was too valuable to be so vague. He spoke in support of a co-op electric
utility. Rather than sell the electric utility, he hoped council would give the utility to a co-op.
Amanda Sweeting, outside city limits, spoke on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce. She
announced the lineup of upcoming chamber events.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
Motion (Osenga/Wells) Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda
McClure requested that Resolution 2025-092 be moved to the consent agenda. There was no
objection.
Motion As Amended Passed Unanimous
The clerk read the following approved consent agenda items:
Approval of the September 8, 2025, City Council Meeting Minutes
Introduction of Ordinance 2025-014: Amending Seward City Code § 15.10.140 Definitions for
Animal Shelter and Veterinary Hospital and § 15.10.226 Land Uses Allowed Table for Veterinary
Hospital
Introduction of Ordinance 2025-015: Amending Seward City Code Chapter § 15.20 — Signs
Introduction of Ordinance 2025-016: Amending Seward City Code § 15.10.140 Definitions for
Dwelling, Apartment, Commercial Building and Mixed -Use Development and Table § 15.10.226
Land Uses Allowed for Dwelling, Apartment in a Commercial Building
Resolution 2025-092: Authorizing the City Manager to Accept the Proposal with Globelink
Telecom for Radio Tower Maintenance and Ladder Installation in the Amount of $34,500 and
Appropriating Funds
Resolution 2025-093: Authorizing the City Manager to Purchase Playground Equipment from
Northwest Playgrounds in the Amount of $22,487
6
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Meeting Minutes
September 22, 2025 Volume 43, Page
Resolution 2025-094: Authorizing the City Manager to Accept and Appropriate Community
Assistance Program Funds in the Amount of $192,239.30 for the Purpose of Capital Projects
Related to Fire, Public Safety, and Road Maintenance
Resolution 2025-095: Authorizing the City Manager to Accept Funds from the State of Alaska
Division of Libraries, Archives & Museums Grant -in -Aid Program for the Seward Museum
Exhibit Reader Rails Project
Approval of the Canvass Board for the 2025 Regular Municipal Election
IN -PERSON REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS
City Manager Report
City Manager Kat Sorensen thanked city staff for doing an excellent job while she was on
vacation. She thanked Jason Bickling for being the best Deputy City Manager. Sorensen explained
Resolution 2025-095 in more detail and noted all the hard work that went into the grant application
Lastly, Sorensen reminded everyone about the town hall meeting on the electric utility on
September 29, 2025. There would also be a recap of the town hall meeting at the City Council
Work Session on October 13, 2025.
Wells applauded City Administration, Community Development and Planning & Zoning
Commission for their work on Ordinance 2025-014 regarding the animal shelter and veterinary
services. He also had follow up questions regarding winter utility rates, walkable mural paint,
amendments to Ordinance 2025-016, and private business owners putting up signs that affect
public parking.
City Clerk Report
City Clerk Kris Peck provided an update on the absentee in -person voting which had started
today in City Council Chambers.
Other Reports and Announcements — None
Presentations
Community Library & Museum Update by Director Jolanta Ryan
Sister City Exchange Visit to Obihiro, Japan
PUBLIC HEARINGS - None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None
7
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Meeting Minutes
September 22, 2025 Volume 43, Page
NEW BUSINESS
Other New Business
Discuss Paving Priorities [sponsored by Council Member Warner]
Warner said she brought this discussion item forward after hearing recent public comments about
paving requests. She hoped to make a priority paving list.
Council and City Administration discussed what could be done to authorize a list of paving
priorities.
Wells thanked Warner for bringing it forward and thanked the residents for the public comments.
Osenga asked if paving could be added to the list of Legislative Priorities.
Council directed City Administration to draft a paving priorities list for a future discussion
item.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND REPORTS
Upcoming City Council Meetings
Work Session on Monday, October 13, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. Topic: Electric Utility update that
highlights a town hall recap and infrastructure project update
Regular Meeting on Monday, October 13, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Randy McFarland, outside city limits, thanked the council for letting him speak. He gave a shout
out to the City Clerk for his recent tribute to Ozzy Osbourne. McFarland spoke to various issues
with the signage in the harbor that pertained to safety and parking. He hoped to see the parking
fund become a cash -cow for the city. He would like to see the city work with the State of Alaska
to combine bike paths to connect all the pathways along the Seward Highway. He was very
concerned about safety of biking along the highway without a designated path.
COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION COMMENTS & RESPONSE TO CITIZEN
COMMENTS
Bickling wanted to mention the City Manager Report also included a GIS report from Selena Soto.
These reports would be regular updates from here on out.
Sorensen reminded everyone about the upcoming Town Hall meeting at the Rae Building.
8
City of Seward, Alaska City Council Meeting Minutes
September 22, 2025 Volume 43, Page
Warner thanked the public for speaking at the meeting tonight and sharing concerns with the
council. She thanked Jolanta Ryan for the library presentation and was looking forward to the tea
party.
Crites thanked the Amanda Sweeting and the Jolanta Ryan for all the updates. She thanked the
kids for presenting on the trip to Japan. Crites shared her experience as chaperone on the trip and
said Japan was very clean, very polite, and very safe. Crites also shared her experience as a host
family here in Seward for the visiting Japanese students. After traveling to Japan, she had a lot of
new ideas about how to enhance their future visits in Seward.
Barnwell recalled his own great experience traveling to Japan and commended the students for
their bravery. He thanked City Administration for GIS report, thanked the public for the comments,
and Randy McFarland for his ideas on parking and the bike path. Barnwell noted he missed the
previous City Council meeting and had to watch it on YouTube. He thanked the City Clerk for the
new camera angles and timestamps on the YouTube version.
Wells reminded everyone that early voting has started and encouraged people to get out and vote.
There were important ballot measures that could affect both how and when people vote.
Osenga echoed the previous comment about voting. He thanked Jolanta Ryan for the library
presentation. Osenga recalled his visit to Obihiro, Japan in the 1980s and the slideshow tonight
brought back a lot of fun memories.
McClure echoed previous comments. Both presentations were wonderful. It was a neat meeting
despite not having a whole lot to vote on. She recommended people read the council packet for
information on the consent agenda items. McClure encouraged people to vote and appreciated the
early voting being available. Lastly, McClure noted there were a lot of events happening in town
and people should never be bored.
Sorensen gave a shout out to the Chamber of Commerce for their Seward.com/events page.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:21 p.m.
Kris Peck Sue McClure
City Clerk Mayor
(City Seal)
9
RESOLUTION 2025-099
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RECOMMENDING
KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH APPROVAL OF
THE REVISED PRELIMINARY PLAT OF THE
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3207 SORREL ROAD,
CREATING SPRING CREEK REPLAT
Documents:
• Agenda Statement
• Resolution 2025-099
• Attachments:
o Property Map
o Preliminary Plat Application
o Preliminary Plat Map
10
City Council Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: October 13, 2025
To: City Council
Through: Kat Sorensen, City Manager
From: Daniel Meuninck, Community Development Director
Subject: Resolution 2025-099: Recommending Kenai Peninsula Borough
Approval of the Revised Preliminary Plat of the Property Located at
3207 Sorrel Road, Creating Spring Creek Replat
Background and justification:
Attached for the Council's review and recommendation to the Kenai Peninsula Borough Planning
Commission is a revised preliminary plat submitted by AK Lands, Land Surveying LLC on behalf
of the City of Seward.
The original preliminary plat was approved by the City Council on February 10, 2025 through
Resolution 2025-007. The platting action divided the current tract of land legally known as, That
Point of Block 10, Excluding Lots 1 & 2, Fourth of July Creek Subdivision, SMIC into two tracts
of land to be known as, Tract A & B, Block 10, Fourth of July Creek Subdivision, SMIC, Spring
Creek Park Replat. It also vacated a 50-foot wide public access easement which provided access
from Nash Road through the Spring Creek campground to the tidelands.
Upon submitting the original preliminary plat to the Kenai Peninsula Borough, documented
approval from the State of Alaska was required before the 50-foot public access easement could
be vacated. When the land for the Seward Marine Industrial Center (SMIC) was platted in 1997,
the plat vacated various public access easements that ran along the ordinary high-water mark.
These easements had originally been established by State of Alaska Patent No. 5914 and shown
on the Alaska State Land Survey plat 76-69. The Department of Natural Resources for the State
of Alaska approved the vacation of the 50-foot public access easement along the ordinary high-
water mark within the SMIC subdivision, but only in exchange for the establishment of two new
public access easements through Tideland Patent No. 362, that would provide the public access to
the tidelands at the north and south end of the SMIC subdivision.
The State of Alaska has an application process to request permission to vacate an access easement
that has been established by State patent; however, the State has expressed through initial
conversations that they still have an interest in maintaining that public access easement. For this
reason, and the subsequent denial of rezoning the Spring Creek Campground to Park on April 14,
2025, administration recommends maintaining the 50-foot public access easement through
proposed Tract A (Spring Creek campground) at this time.
Seward City Code § 16.01.015(A) states that "No preliminary or final plat for the subdivision or
resubdivision of land located within the city limits shall be approved by the city unless all of the
11
required improvements set forth in section 16.05.010 are provided for by the subdivider, owner,
proprietor or developer in the manner described in sections 16.05.015."
The parcel has access to city water, sewer, and electrical lines adjacent to the property on the east.
The parcel also has access to Nash Road. Thus, a subdivision agreement will not be required with
this plat.
On August 5, 2025, the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission approved Resolution 2025-024,
recommending City Council and Kenai Peninsula Borough approval of the attached revised
preliminary plat.
All conditions required by Seward City Code § 16.01.015(C), Conditions to plat approval, were
met. The property owners within 300 feet of the requested preliminary plat were notified of the
proposed subdivision, and the property was posted with public notice signage.
In accordance with City and Borough requirements, the Seward City Council must review and
comment on a preliminary plat of city -owned land before submittal to the Borough for approval.
Subdivision Review:
Zoninj': The property is currently zoned Industrial (I).
Size: Tract A will be 22.469 acres. Tract B will be 70.524 acres.
Utilities: Both Tracts of land have access to city water, sewer, and electricity on the east side of
the property.
Existinji Use: Tract A is currently being used as a dry campground and parking area to access
the Spring Creek beach. Tract B is used as a boat harbor, storage, and beach access to Fourth of
July beach.
Access: Tract A has access to Nash Road. Tract B has access to private roads such as Mustang
Ave and Sorrel Road.
Flood Zone: According to the Kenai Peninsula Borough Floodplain map, Tract A and B have
portions of land located within the Seward Mapped Flood Data Area (SMFD) and FEMA flood
zones D, AE, and VE. Any development within these areas would require a floodplain permit.
Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information
NEM
This legislation is consistent with (citation listed):
Comprehensive Plan: Vol 1, Chapter 3.6.1 — Improve, expand and diversify year-round parks
and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
Vol 1, Chapter 3.6.1.1
• Identify, protect, and preserve scenic and natural areas for
recreational enjoyment.
• Continue to protect and preserve all city parks.
12
Strategic Plan:
Other:
N/A
Total amount of funds listed in this legislation:
This legislation (✓):
Creates revenue in the amount of:
Creates expenditure in amount of:
Creates a savings in the amount of:
Has no fiscal impact
Funds are (✓):
Budgeted Line item(s):
Not budgeted
Not applicable
$ 0
Fund Balance Information
Affected Fund (✓):
General
Boat Harbor
Motor Pool
Available Fund Balance
SMIC
Parking
Other
Electric
Water
$
Wastewater
Healthcare
Note: amounts are unaudited
Finance Director Signature:
Yes
Attorney Signature: /s/Rob Palmer
Not applicable Comments:
Administration Recommendation
Adopt Resolution
Other:
13
Sponsored by: Sorensen
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2025-099
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, RECOMMENDING KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH
APPROVAL OF THE REVISED PRELIMINARY PLAT OF THE
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3207 SORREL ROAD, CREATING SPRING
CREEK REPLAT
WHEREAS, AK Lands, Land Surveying LLC has submitted a revised preliminary plat on
behalf of the City of Seward for review and recommendation to the Kenai Peninsula Borough; and
WHEREAS, the parcel being subdivided is located at 3207 Sorrel Road; and
WHEREAS, the current parcel is one tract of land comprising the tidelands and harbor to
the west of SMIC, the Spring Creek campground / beach area, and the Fourth of July beach; and
WHEREAS, the proposed plat will divide the single tract into two parcels, Tract A, which
will encompass the Spring Creek campground, beach, and adjacent tidelands, and Tract B, which
will comprise the remainder of land south of the Spring Creek campground down to the Fourth of
July beach; and
WHEREAS, the original plat was approved by the City Council on February 10, 2025,
and included the vacation of a 50-foot wide public access easement providing access from Nash
Road through the Spring Creek campground to the tidelands; and
WHEREAS, this easement was established through Tideland Patent No. 362 by the State
of Alaska in 1997; and
WHEREAS, this easement, as well as a similar one to the south, were established to
replace a 50-foot wide public access easement that ran along the ordinary high-water mark but was
vacated with the creation of the Seward Marine Industrial Center; and
WHEREAS, the State has expressed interest in maintaining the 50-foot wide public access
easement through proposed Tract A (Spring Creek campground); and
WHEREAS, the revised preliminary plat reflects these wishes, and does not vacate the 50-
foot public access easement; and
WHEREAS, the tract of land being subdivided is currently zoned Industrial (I); and
WHEREAS, both Tracts of land have access to city water, sewer, and electricity on the
east side of the property; and
WHEREAS, a subdivision agreement will not be required with this plat; and
14
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2025-099
WHEREAS, on August 5, 2025, the Seward Planning and Zoning Commission approved
Resolution 2025-024, recommending City Council and Kenai Peninsula Borough approval of the
attached revised preliminary plat; and
WHEREAS, all conditions required by Seward City Code § 16.01.015, Conditions to plat
approval, were met; the property owners within 300 feet of the requested replat were notified of
the proposed subdivision, and the property was posted with public notice signage; and
WHEREAS, the Seward City Council must review and comment on a preliminary plat of
city -owned land before submittal to the Borough for approval.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEWARD, ALASKA, that:
Section 1. The Council hereby recommends that, in accordance with Seward City Code
Section 16.01.015, the Kenai Peninsula Borough approve the submittal of the revised preliminary
plat of Fourth of July Creek Subdivision, Seward Marine Industrial Center (SMIC), That Point of
Block 10, Excluding Lots 1 & 2; Located at 3207 Sorrel Road; Creating Tract A & B, Block 10,
Fourth of July Creek Subdivision, SMIC, Spring Creek Park Replat
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, this 13t1i
day of October 2025.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ATTEST:
Kris Peck
City Clerk
(City Seal)
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
Sue McClure, Mayor
15
Resolution 2025-099
Context Ma •
Key
Industrial
Plat Boundary
Proposed subdivision boundary
a
400 feet
Preliminary Plat Application Property Map
RES 2025-0XX - Subdividing Fourth of July Creek Subdivision, Seward Marine
Industrial Center, That Point of Block 10, Excluding Lots 1 & 2; Creating Tract A
& B, Block 10, Fourth of July Creek Subdivision, Seward Marine Industrial
Center, Spring Creek Replat
Location: 3207 Sorrel Road Parcel #: 14534040
16
Resolution 2025-099
Community Development/ Planning & Zoning
410 Adams Street, Seward, Alaska 99664 •(907) 224-4049 • (907) 224-4020
or email: planning@cityofseward.net
PRELIMINARY PLAT SUBMITTAL FORM
❑PRELIMINARY PLAT ❑✓ REVISED PRELIMINARY PLAT (no fee required)
▪ PHASED PRELIMINARY PLAT PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR PRIVATE STREETS / GATED SUBDIVISION
All requirements of Seward Code Title 16 apply and must be met.
SUBDIVISION PLAT NAME: must not include business names, contact staff for assistance if needed.
Fourth of July Creek Subd., Seward Maine Industrial Center, Spring Creek Replat
PROPERTY INFORMATION:
legal description Block 10, Fourth of July Creek Sub., SMIC,Plat No. 97-27
Section, Township, Range Section 18, T1 S, R1E, S.M., AK.
General area description Seward Marine Industrial Center
City Seward Total Acreage
92.993
SURVEYOR
Company: AK Lands Land Surveying
Contact Person: Stacy Wessel
Mailing Address: PO Box 110485
City, State, Zip Anchorage, AK 99511
Phone: (907) 744-LAND
e-mail: stacy@aklands.com
PROPOSED WASTEWATER AND WATER SUPPLY
WASTEWATERn on siteliCity
WATERnon site ❑✓ City
SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS
A preliminary plat application will be scheduled for the next available Planning and Zoning meeting after
a complete application has been received.
['Electronic file of Plat and
▪ Preliminary plat NON-REFUNDABLE submittal fee $200.00-
['Certificate to plat for ALL parcels included in the subdivision
▪ Documentation showing proof of signatory authority (partnerships, corporations, estates, trusts,
etc.)
o Public Notice Sign(s) Posted on property - City staff will contact you to pick up sign
EXCEPTIONS REQUESTED TO PLATTING CODE: A letter, to be presented to the Planning and Zoning
commission, with substantial evidence justifying the requested exception and fully stating the
grounds for the exception request, and the facts relied upon, MUST be attached to this submittal.
1.
2.
3.
KPB 20.30.030(A) KPB 20.30.170 KPB 20.30.210
APPLICANT: SIGNATURES OF ALL LEGAL PROPERTY OWNERS ARE REQUIRED. Additional signature
sheets can be attached. When signing on behalf of another individual, estate, corporation, LLC,
partnership, etc., documentation is required to show authority of the individual(s) signing.
Contact KPB staff for clarification if needed.
OWNER(s)
Name (printed): Stacy Wessel
Signature:
5,Z , , /
Phone: (907) 744-LAND
e-mail:
stacy@aklands.com
Name (printed):
Signature:
Phone:
e-mail:
Name (printed):
Signature:
Phone:
e-mail:
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
RECEIVED BY
DATE SUBjy1Iy-ED Receipt #
Resolution 2025-099
The preliminary plat shall be drawn to scale of sufficient size to be clearly legible and shall clearly show the
following:
1.
Within the title block:
Not applicable
10 my plat,
The required
information has
been shown/noted.
a.
Name of the subdivision which shall not be the same as an
existing city, town, tract, or subdivision of land in the
borough, of which a plat has been previously recorded, or
so nearly the same as to mislead the public or cause
confusion;
/
b.
Legal description, location, date, and total area in acres of
the proposed subdivision; and
c.
Name and address of owner(s), as shown on the KPB
records and the certificate to plat, and registered land
surveyor;
2.
North point;
3.
The location, width and name of existing or platted streets and
public ways, railroad rights -of -way, and other important features
such as section lines or political subdivisions or municipal
corporation boundaries abutting the subdivision;
✓
4.
A vicinity map, drawn to scale showing location of proposed
subdivision, north arrow if different from plat orientation, township
and range, section lines, roads, political boundaries, and prominent
natural and manmade features, such as shorelines or streams;
/
✓
5.
All parcels of land including those intended for private ownership
and those to be dedicated for public use or reserved in the deeds
for the use of all property owners in the proposed subdivision,
together with the purposes, conditions, or limitations of reservations
that could affect the subdivision;
6.
The names and widths of public streets and alleys and easements,
existing and proposed, within the subdivision;
7.
Status of adjacent lands, including names of subdivisions, lot lines,
block numbers, lot numbers, rights -of -way; or an indication that the
adjacent land is not subdivided;
✓
8.
Approximate locations of areas subject to inundation, flooding, or
storm water overflow, the line of ordinary high water, wetlands
when adjacent to lakes or non -tidal streams, and the appropriate
study which identifies a floodplain, if applicable;
/
t/
9.
Approximate locations of areas subject to tidal inundation and the
mean high water line;
10.
Block and lot numbering approximate dimensions and total
numbers of proposed lots;
11.
The approximate location of known existing municipal wastewater
and water mains, and other utilities within the subdivision and
immediately abutting thereto
12.
Contours at suitable intervals when any roads are to be dedicated
unless the planning director or commission finds evidence that road
grades will not exceed 6 percent on arterial streets, and 10 percent
on other streets;
N/A
13.
Approximate locations of slopes over 20 percent in grade and if
contours are shown, the areas of the contours that exceed 20
percent grade shall be clearly labeled as such;
N/A
14.
Apparent encroachments, with a statement indicating how the
encroachments will be resolved prior to final plat approval
N/A
N/A
Subdivision Name: Date
18
AK LAN DS
Lond Surveying —
September 17, 2025
City of Seward
City Council
City Hall Building
410 Adams St.
Seward, AK 99664
Resolution 2025-099
PO Box 110485
Anchorage, AK 99515
(907) 744-LAND
aklands@aklands.com
http://aklands.com
Subject: Request for Exceptions to Regulations for Subdivision of Block 10, Fourth of July Creek
Subdivision - SMIC, Spring Creek Replat
Dear Members of the Seward City Council,
The City of Seward is replatting within the Seward Marine Industrial Center (SMIC), which is
situated on the eastern side of Resurrection Bay at the end of Nash Road, just six road miles
from the city center. SMIC is a specialized heavy industrial area encompassing 0.15 square
miles of coastal land, owned entirely by the City of Seward. It serves as a critical hub for
maritime services, including full -service shipyards, maritime boat areas, and port facilities. The
area is constantly evolving to meet the maritime needs of Alaska.
The purpose of this letter is to request exceptions to Kenai Peninsula Borough (KPB) Code
20.30.030(A), 20.30.170, and 20.30.210. These exceptions are essential to facilitate important
community enhancements and support ongoing industrial developments.
Spring Creek Replat
The replat involves subdividing Block 10, Fourth of July Creek Subdivision Seward Marine
Industrial Center, Plat No. 97-27, into two lots, one of which encompasses the current Spring
Creek Campground area. Currently, Block 10 encompasses 92.993 acres. The campground is
located in the northern section of SMIC and is fronted by Nash Road, a 100-foot dedicated
public right-of-way. The subdivision aims to divide Block 10 along an existing fence line,
designating the campground area as Tract A, which will be 22.469 acres.
This campground has historically been used by tourists and residents for camping and fishing.
By creating a distinct parcel, the City intends to utilize this area independently to better serve
public needs.
The southern portion of the parcel, to be labeled Tract B, fronts Tract A4—a private service
road —and will comprise the remaining 70.534 acres.
Page 1 of 4
19
Resolution 2025-099
Exceptions Requested
1. Exception to KPB Code 20.30.030(A) - Proposed Street Layout Requirements and KPB
Code 20.30.210 - Lots Access to Street
KPB Code 20.30.030(A) states that streets provided on the plat must provide fee simple
right-of-way dedications to the appropriate governmental entity.
KPB Code 20.30.210 requires that each lot shall abut on a fee simple dedicated street
except as provided by KPB 20.30.030(B).
o Explanation: In the Spring Creek Replat, proposed Tract A fronts Nash Road, a
fee simple dedicated right-of-way available for public use. However, Tract B, the
southern remainder, does not front a dedicated right-of-way but fronts on Tract
A4, a private 60-foot-wide tract developed as a service road serving SMIC's
needs. The City wishes to retain control over this tract to manage access within
SMIC, ensuring safety and operational efficiency.
Justifications for Exception:
2. Special Circumstances or Conditions Affecting the Property
• Controlled Industrial Access: SMIC's heavy industrial nature requires
controlled access to ensure safety and security for operations and
personnel. Introducing dedicated public rights -of -way could compromise
these critical needs.
• Unique Ownership Structure: The City owns all lands within the
subdivision, including Tract A4, allowing for internal management of
access without impacting public road systems.
3. Necessity for Preservation and Enjoyment of a Substantial Property Right
• Operational Efficiency and Safety: Retaining private control over Tract A4
is essential for managing traffic flow, restricting unauthorized access, and
maintaining safety protocols within the industrial area.
■ Practical Compliance: Granting these exceptions is the most practical way
to comply with the intent of the KPB Code while addressing the unique
requirements of an industrial maritime center.
4. No Detriment to Public Welfare or Injury to Other Property
■ Uninterrupted Access: All lots will continue to have access via Tract A4 or
Sorrel Road, ensuring no lot is denied access.
• Enhanced Public Amenities: Creating dedicated park and campground
areas enhances public welfare by providing recreational spaces without
impeding industrial operations.
• Safety Considerations: Controlled access reduces the risk of accidents in
heavy industrial zones, protecting both the public and industrial
personnel.
Page 2 of 4
20
Resolution 2025-099
2. Exception to KPB Code 20.30.170 - Block Length Requirements
KPB Code 20.30.170 requires blocks to be not less than 330 feet nor more than 1,320
feet in length.
o Explanation: The current block configuration and proposed subdivisions do not
conform to these block length requirements due to the unique layout and
ownership structure of the industrial area. All lands within the subdivision are
owned by the City, and block lengths are dictated by existing industrial uses and
geographic constraints. The block was originally subdivided in 1997.
Justifications for Exception:
2. Special Circumstances or Conditions Affecting the Property
• Geographic Constraints: The area's geography and existing industrial
infrastructure make it impractical to conform to standard block length
requirements.
• Existing Industrial Uses: Operational needs of the industrial facilities
require larger parcels for efficient functioning.
3. Necessity for Preservation and Enjoyment of a Substantial Property Right
• Operational Efficiency: Strict adherence to block length requirements
would disrupt existing industrial operations and hinder efficient land use.
• Practical Compliance: Granting the exception allows the City to optimize
land use while maintaining compliance with the overall intent of the
code.
4. No Detriment to Public Welfare or Injury to Other Property
• No Impact on Adjacent Properties: Since the City owns all surrounding
land, there is no adverse effect on neighboring properties.
• Public Benefit: The subdivision facilitates the creation of public amenities
such as parks and campgrounds, enhancing community welfare.
Additional Considerations
• Compliance with Road Width Standards: Tract A4 has been established with a width of
60 feet, meeting KPB Code requirements for road dedication widths and ensuring
adequate access dimensions.
• Historical Precedent: The City has previously undertaken similar plats and replats within
SMIC to meet evolving needs. These have been reviewed and approved by the Seward
Planning and Zoning Commission and the Kenai Peninsula Borough, setting a precedent
for the current request.
Page 3 of 4
21
Resolution 2025-099
• Future Ownership Considerations: As the City is the sole owner of the lands within the
subdivision and plans to retain ownership, the exceptions will not adversely affect
future development or ownership transitions.
Conclusion
In light of the special circumstances and the unique configuration of SMIC—bounded by
Resurrection Bay —the City of Seward respectfully requests that the Commission grant the
exceptions to KPB Code 20.30.030(A), 20.30.210, and 20.30.170. These exceptions are
necessary for the practical, safe, and efficient development of the area and align with the intent
of the KPB Code without causing detriment to public welfare or adjacent properties and keeps
the industrial area secure and operational.
We appreciate your consideration of this request and are available to provide any additional
information or answer any questions you may have.
Sincerely,
5'-,7 02ezd_d
Respectfully,
AK Lands, Land Surveying by
Stacy Wessel , Professional Land Surveyor
Page 4 of 4
22
Resolution 2025-099
CERTIFICATE OF OWNERSHIP AND DEDICATION
HEREBY
CERTIFYTHAT
DESCRIBED HEREONRANID THATI ON BEHALF OFRTHE
AND GRANT ALL EASEMENTS TO THE USE SHOWN
OWNER
CITY OF SEWARD
410 S TREET CITY HALL BUILDING
SEWARD
AUTHORIZED OFFICIAL SIGNATURE DATE
TITLE PRINTED NAME
NOTARY'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT
FOR
ACKNOWLEDGED BEFORE ME THIS
2.024,
NOTARY PUBLIC FOR A..
MY COMMISSION EXPIRES
DAY OF
CERTIFICATE OF ACCEPTANCE ND TDLE IS AUTHoxrzED
FOR PUBLIC USES AND FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES THE REAL PROPERTY TO BE
THE ACCEPTANCE OF LANDS FOR PUBLIC USE OR PUBLIC PURPOSE DOES NOT
OBLIGATE THE PUBLIC OR ANY GOVERNING BODY TO CONSTRUCT, OPERATE,
OR MAINTAIN IMPROVEMENTS.
AUTHORIZED OFFICAL SIGNATURE DATE
TITLE PRINTED NAME
ene I% /PUSnaJF%/
(3
cuxvE luu`sl IM1a =.
1926,Vossw009
(EAST 121.531 (1.1B33PO7E 2s3.19'
\`\ 16D' SPRING CREEK DRAINAGE ESMT.
ISP PUBLIC ACCESS AND UTun'EMTI- _, ' PO' ACCESS ES-
892507E2o
\\
senses
SURVEYOR'S CERTIFICATE �
Ott'° ^Jf-
PLAT APPROVALSURVEYOR44HEREBY CERTIFY THAT IANA 3�` '49T�
CO,,,,,a NATrHEMEETINGo ENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH PLANNING0DESCRIBED, AND THAT ALL DIMENSIONS
AUTHORIZED OFFICAL SIGNATURE
NARY
LEGEND
EEGOEDDERN,.200,22
�e0A ARE
ELECTRIC NI
IGLU POLE
DQ anon PEDESTAL
ELERPICALEFLINES16is1
LELEGOIANIGNITION UNESI6I37
GAS uNE,G,71
EBNER LINES9GIS
SD
SLORw INES,GIS, 5WWESER LINED EGO
7 I—
zaJ II~
/u/aa w>-4
d
m 4 BLS r
w/
/ 150'' PUBLIC ACE65 AND MILL, ESMO)
ON ss o9
3 s.n'1
120' STORM WATER 007FALL ESM
APPROXIMAT
(SB9 2452 W 1340.52')
ZONE VE
3
24
19
20
VICINITY MAP SCALE: 1" =1/2 MILE
NOTES:
AND1. THIS IS A PROPOSED PLATTING ACTION. NO BOUNDARY SURVEY HAS BEEN
PERFORMED
2. NOT ALL SITE FEATURES ARE SHOWN WITHIN THE PROPOSED SUBDIVISION. UTILITY
LINES ARE B.ED ON SMIC UTILITIES CAD DRAWING AND ARE APPROXIMATE.
3. 1+0,,TE1, BLOCK TALOCATION IS APPROXIMATE DUE TO LACK OF DIMENSION TIES PER
4. TRATEeCk‘1171'SDAPSE1TVICE ROAD ACCESS AND UTILITY E.EMENT. ACCESS RESTRICTED
U.S. PATENT 50-81-0141 RECORDED., 1S, 1981AT BOOK 23 AND PAGE 765 AND
AMENDMENTS THERETO AS SHOWN IN "NOTICE., RECORDED MAY 26. 1993. BOOK
6. THIS PROPER, IS SUBJECT TO RESERVATIONS AND EXCEPTIONS AS CONTAINED IN
STATE OF A.KA PATENT 5914 RECORDED AUGUST 7, 1901 AT BOOK 23 PAGE 956
RESERVATIONS
MAYD19,994, BOOK EXCEPTIONS 2 AGE 522, IN STATE OF ALASKA PATENT
362RECORDED ON
PENINSULA BOROUGH PLANNING COMMISSION.. 9,1997
AND OTHER UNNAMED 12/5 AS PORTRAYED ON THE KM SURVEY PLAT OF
035/2aENT ALONG THE MEAN HIGH TIDE LINE OF
C. PUBLIC
RESURRECTION BAY DESCRIBED ON SURVEY PLAT OF ASLS 76-69.
CO. S914 FOR U.S. SURVEY
EASEMENT S0 FOOT ALONG THE RIBED WITHIN THE SMEAN HIGH WTATE OF ATER PATENT
RMARK
U E. ` SURVEY NO.49827 a WERE NOT FULLY DIMENSIONED
L RR00701ML[NTs 00 oN WA AT OTE A0ISKn o PATTMENT of
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION.
11. LOTS WITHIN THIS SUBDIVISION MAY BE LOCATED WITHIN A DESIGNATED FLOOD
ERZECTF D IZIOTNo mnsrRURlonMmE
AS, SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA SUBJECT TO INUNDATION BY E sss ANNUAL
CHANCE FLOOD, IN THE FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP IDENTIFIED AS COMMUNIN
PANEL NO 02122C5030E, WHICH BEARS AN EFFECTIVE DATE OF OCTOBER 20, 2016
NATIONAL FLOOD HAZARD LAYER
Plat of
FOURTH OF JULY CREEK SUBDIVISION
SEWARD MARINE INDUSTRIAL CENTER
SPRING CREEK REPLAT
CREATING TRACT A A. TRACT B, BLOCK 10
CONTAINING 92.9,3 ACRES MORE. OR LESS
A SUBDIVISION OF:
BLOCK 10,
FOURTH OF IDLY CREEK SUBDIVISION
SEWARD MARINE INDUSTRIAL CENTER
FILED UNDER PLAT NO.97-27
CITY OF SEWARD
SEWARD RECORDING DISTRICT
KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH
4LANDS
✓E
AK Lance, Lod Surveying LLT
13521
e Way
Anebore
01I00do@ek1002,,om
ImpAeklends.c
„44LANo D.a:09„7025
Drawn: SMW
Date orSurvey: N/A
Sheer
PM 1436
Meld Book. N.
ICPB No.
23
Administration
Work continues across the City despite some external challenges. Although the federal
government is currently in shutdown status, our EPA grant work is still moving forward, and
we are hopeful that there will be no long-term impacts to the project.
We also had the opportunity to host our federal lobbyist here in Seward for an in -person
check -in. The discussion included updates on several key federal projects, including the
Lowell Creek Tunnel and continued planning for the Coast Guard property across the bay.
These conversations help ensure that our community's priorities remain at the forefront of
federal partners' attention.
The end of September wrapped up with a very productive and engaging week. We hosted a
Utility Town Hall to open dialogue with the community about the future of Seward's electric
utility, and I also joined in events celebrating Entrepreneur Week, coordinated by the
Seward Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Development Center. Both events
highlighted the energy and commitment of our residents and business community.
We have also been dedicating significant time to completing the THIRA/SPR Survey in
partnership with our Fire and Police Departments. This survey, required by the Alaska
Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, measures our city's
capacity to respond to a range of emergency situations in both the short and longterm.
Completing it positions us to qualify for important funding streams through the Emergency
Management Performance Grants and the State Homeland Security Program.
Finally, we celebrated National Good Neighbor Day on September 28 with special events at
the library. While it's always nice to recognize that day, I hope that spirit of kindness and
community continues to be felt across Seward every day of the year.
Community Development
Planning and Zoning Commission
The Commission will not have a quorum for their Tuesday, October 14th meeting and so
that meeting has been cancelled.
There was one quasi-judicial proceeding scheduled for the meeting that at the request of
the applicant, has been moved to a Special Meeting that will occur the same evening as
the Commission's October work session (October 21 St). That resolution is:
24
Resolution 2025-031 of the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Seward, Alaska,
granting a conditional use permit to Philip Zimmerman to construct a 4-plex at 2009
Phoenix Road within a multi -family residential (R3) zoning district
The October 21 st work session topic will be the Comprehensive Plan. Staff has compiled a
presentation that will review data results from both the Comprehensive Plan surveys and
spring town hall workshops and will be presenting that information at the upcoming work
session.
To summarize, the Commission will have a double header on Tuesday, October 215E
5:30pm — Work session topic: Comprehensive Plan
7:00pm — Special meeting: Resolution 2025-031
Comprehensive Plan
Community Development staff has compiled a report showcasing the Comprehensive Plan
survey results. That report is included in this packet and will be included in the above -
mentioned Planning & Zoning Commission work session packet.
Staff recently went to the Seward High School to solicit feedback from high school
students on what they would like to see in the Comprehensive Plan. The students engaged
in a city planning exercise and were asked questions related to their vision of Seward.
The City is now accepting new Development Reimbursement Program (DRP) applications.
The updated application along with the City Council Evaluation Rubric is included in this
packet and can be found on the Community Development website: Application Forms
Seward, AK
To be clear, the DRP is still closed, however the City recently updated Code around the
DRP to allow developers to submit applications while the program is closed to help the
City understand the need within the Community. Applications should be submitted to the
City Clerk's office. Qualified applicants will be eligible to present their proposal to City
Council at a future Council work session.
For those new to the DRP, the Developer Reimbursement Program is designed to
encourage developers to extend public utilities —like water, sewer, and electricity —to
undeveloped land within the city in an effort to promote housing development. When funds
are available, the city may reimburse developers for up to 50% of the costs associated with
these utility extensions.
25
Human Resources
HR Manager Ashleigh Lipsey attended the Northwest Human Resources Management
Association conference September 24-26. Ashleigh was able to connect with her HR
colleagues from the Kenai Peninsula and Anchorage, and many other HR professionals
from the Washington, Oregon, Alaska region.
The conference had several topics that were of particular interest, including the
appropriate use of AI in the workplace and addressing the leadership skills gap,
particularly in new managers and leaders. A conference networking session also featured
Sugpiat dancers and drummers in traditional garb. That was especially popular with
attendees from the lower 48.
Implementation of the NeoGov onboarding system is progressing on schedule. All new
employee paperwork for full-time staff has been added the NeoGov platform, and
paperwork for seasonal staff has begun.
Finance
Surplus Sale: The City's public surplus list will be released on October 6. Keep an eye out
for details on available items.
Utility Customer Service: Utility billing and customer service are now being handled back
in house. For assistance, please call 907-224-4073 (Electric Utilities) or 907-224-4050
(Water Utilities).
Professional Development: Our Finance Director recently attended an NWPPAtraining
focused on the electric industry and advanced work orders —helping us stay up to date and
better serve the community.
As required by the Seward Municipal Code 6.05.010, the following purchase orders between
$5,000 and $30,000 has been approved by the City Manager since the last council meeting:
Department
Order
Date
Vendor
Description
Amount
ELECTRICADMIN
9f18/2025
3TIERALASKA CAPITAL INC
Mt. Marathon Hydro Permitting
22,980.00
ROADS AND STREETS
10/02/2025
NORTHSTAR SUPPLY,LLC
Street-51000 LES salt for winter
12,200.00
Public Works
It is the fall time of the year again and time for storing our summer things away for the
winter. The Street Department is out doing the same.
26
We are also asking residents to please remove b-ball hoops, vehicles, etc from the alleys
and road rights -of -way. Snow removal efforts require plowing to the edges in the alleys and
in the ditches of road ROWs. Obstacles left out of your property lines slow the plows and
increase the chance of damaging those items or city equipment.
The City of Seward - Public works
Street Department stopped by:
If you have any questions, please contact:
907.224-4005
During normal business hours.
907-224-3338
STREET DEPARTMENT
uGm..0 You bevy haw lam..achmnn,. in Om y
w ennertem. bed eel. ma P.O., 9h Of Army
❑ RPM_p-Wor N.immonw Area
w nee
wni
❑ anolrcoe- awis^exn..im.enn PuNK ie.waIF
[] P.rGry[ode ixmms [leeWof snow.na iee
o Per c1.rc.a. ePeuo, e...M',
If you receive one of these door hangers at your residence it means, there is an obstacle in
the road or alley. Please review the door hanger and feel free to call with any questions.
Thank you for your help to improve snow plowing and reduce damage in our winter
activities.
Electric Department
James Unrein Receives Prestigious Award
The Electric Department is proud to share that James Unrein has received the Hatcher-
Williams-Turkington Award from the Alaska Power Association. This is the most
distinguished award an electric utility employee can receive in Alaska. James was honored
for his dedication to the Seward Electric Department and his outstanding commitment to
serving our community.
Record Year for New Electric Services
Our line crew continues to work diligently to meet the high demand for new electric
services. Year-to-date, we have received a record number of service requests. We would
like to thank our Field Engineer and Line Crew for their hard work and dedication in
ensuring these projects are completed for our customers.
Marathon Hydro Project Progress
Work is moving forward on the Marathon Hydro Project. Trail maintenance on the Jeep Trail
is scheduled to begin the week of October 6th, requiring a temporary closure for several
27
days. We are still awaiting permits to begin reservoir work, but we remain hopeful that
some maintenance and preparation can be completed prior to freeze-up, which will allow
upgrades to continue inside the plant throughout the winter months.
Alaska Power Association Annual Meeting
James Unrein and Taylor Crocker represented the Seward Electric Department at the
Alaska Power Association Annual Meeting in Cordova. In addition to participating in the
meeting, they toured Cordova's hydro facilities and their black start diesel plant. Cordova
is leading several innovative initiatives —including workforce development, hydro projects,
data center integration, and advanced technology testing with heat pumps —that Seward
hopes to learn from and adapt locally.
Harbor/ SMIC
Harbor
No major incidents have been reported within the Harbor area.
There are currently two openings on PACAB. This is a great opportunity to dip your toe into
volunteering with a small, manageable commitment. Fall of 2025 is a great time to get
involved.
The rain has been steady, and it will continue for the next foreseeable future. We would
like to remind our users to do a running system check on their vessels.
The 50-ton lift schedule has been active but slowing down for the season, but we
encourage our users to call as soon as possible for yard space.
The 50-ton Travelift saw 51 lifts for the month of August.
Status on leases - AT&T lease renewal — first draft is still under their review, Jag lease
extension — is under review and will bring before SCC as soon as possible, and the two new
leases within SMIC area will be revisited after the fishing season.
The office is now on winter hours of operation and will be closed Sunday.
Seasonal water on the floats, sewer pump out station and restrooms have been winterized
for the season and will reopen May 2026. Potable water will continue to be available on F
and Z float and at the top of F - Float gangway, Sewer pump out station on Z float will be in
operation for the winter and the Harbormaster and Upland Restrooms will remain open.
28
SMIC
No major issues have been reported within the SMIC area.
North Dock is slowing down with barge activity with only a couple more scheduled for the
fall season.
The 300-ton Travelift saw 20 lifts in total for the month of July.
The 300-ton lift schedule has been steady too but slowing down but we still encourage our
users to call as soon as possible and allow enough time to complete the necessary
paperwork.
Fire Department
Emergency Responses for the Year 2025: 472
Fire and Life Safety Inspections 2025: 425
Fire & Life Safety Code Violations 2025: 296
Building permits YTD: 66 with a valuation of $39,634,588.26
The Fire Department along with other first response agencies, participated in the Touch -a -
Truck event which was fun for all.
Twelve firefighters representing seven agencies tested out of Firefighter II Class September
19th and 21st.
The evening of Monday September 29th kicked off the beginning of EMT II Class.
The Fire Explorer Program has now been active for over one year and the Explorer Post
Command has been developed with Captain, Purser and Scribe positions to allow youth to
gain experience in leadership rolls.
Police Department
Police Department Statistics YTD*
PATROL
Written Reports: 362
Criminal Charges: 139
Minor Offense Citations: 808
Motor Vehicle Accidents: 16
DISPATCH
29
Event/Incident/Service Calls: 4741
911 Calls: 878
ANIMAL CONTROL
Complaints: 67
Impounds: 20
Surrenders: 36 Dogs, 29 Cats
Adoptions: 55
Volunteers: 71
Sent to Rescue: 10 Canines
Medical Assist : 12
Total Shelter Animals: 11 Cats, 4 dogs, 2 dogs in foster care, 1 cat in foster care
DMV
Driver License and Identification Cards: 120
Motor Vehicle Registrations: 252
Boat Registrations: 4
Road Tests: 12
GENERAL INFORMATION
POLICE
2 Patrol Vehicles Ordered
October is National Crime Prevention Month
• Sept 27t" Kick Off
• Oct 3rd Home Safety Week
• Oct 10' Anti -Counterfeiting Week
• Oct 18' Public Health and Safety Week
• Oct. 25' Community and Law Enforcement Relations Week
Seward Cares For Its Bears (Season Awareness)
As we enjoy the beautiful Fall colors and the shift in seasons, it is a great reminder to
continue communicating about bear safety, bear awareness and keeping things buttoned
up at home and around town.
Participation in Touch A Truck Event
Deputy Chief Schaefermeyer had an opportunity to participate and demonstrate some
features of the department drone.
Interviewed 2 applicants for Patrol Officer Position with 2 more applicants scheduled.
Officer accepted to attend Alaska Police Standards Council Re-Cert Academy
DISPATCH
Fire -Police -Medical Emergencies Dial 911
DMV
30
Possible Limited Hours of Service 10/3-17. Please call (907)224-4037 to confirm hours.
Seward Animal Shelter
The Seward Animal Shelter was at touch a truck on 9/27
There was a 1 yr pup party on 9/27 for one of the litters of puppies.
The Soldatna clinic was held on 9/24 and they plan to come over once a month during the
winter.
Parks and Recreation
Sports & Recreation:
The first installment of Arts and Crafts with Mel wrapped up this month. The last two
classes for this month were woodburning and an incredible performance by Mel Sanders
acting as the late and great Bob Ross. Eighteen participants painted with 'Bob' as he
expertly led them through painting a landscape painting depicting a beautiful pond
underneath snow-capped mountains.
We held our second Racquetball Time -Trial -Tournament in anticipation of the oncoming
racquetball leagues in October. During this tournament, 7 participants battled it out in a
full round robin style tournament to fight for victory. Players got 10 minutes to score as
many points as possible, and the competitor with the most points at the end of all the
matches wins! For the second time in a row, Recreation Manager Russ White took the gold
home after several exhausting games.
Youth Workout Classes with Ryan Bringhurst concluded on September 25th. Ryan guided 5
teenagers in his course on Athletic Performance over the course of 6 weeks to develop
fitness, agility and strength. We look forward to hosting more of these in the future.
The Local Photography Contest is back for its 3rd year! Participants can sign up at
sewardparksandrecreation.com during the entire month of October. The link to submit
your photos is on the receipt after you register for the activity. Once all the photos are
submitted, we will send them off to our panel of judges for voting and will then host a
celebration at Resurrect Art Coffee House Gallery on Friday, November 21 st. Get your
photos in today!
We are officially back to the busy season in AVTEC Gym! We are happy to have a bustling
community to serve, as we saw over a 60% increase in scan -ins during the month of
September.
31
Halloween events: Pumpkin Prowl at Forest Acres Campground will be held Sat, Oct 25th @
11 am. And the Halloween Carnival will be held at the AVTEC Gym 5 to 8pm on Halloween
night.
Teen Rec Room:
October was a transformative month for the Teen Rec Room. While the month of August
saw roughly 100 visits, the month of September saw more than 300 visits. With this new
wave of attendance, we are finding our footing and refining what we have.
Over the past two weeks, the TRR has seen 147 visits, with over 238 hours of total use. This
influx of kiddos has brought an influx of energy and excitement to the Teen Room.
In September, we rolled out a number of new programs including Karaoke night, Dungeons
and Dragons night, and Bonfire Night. We created the Teen Council, and began our
"Somebody Cares News" show. Now we are perfecting and refining these programs as
more and more kiddos sign up for the Teen Room.
After a meeting with the Seward Prevention Coalition, we decided to offer rewards for
limiting phone use while at the Teen Room. We decided to encourage the kids to be
present and form connections by turning in their phones for "Teen Room Points". These
points can be used to purchase pizza, or they can be saved up for a bigger prize down the
road.
New Teen Rec Room sign was installed. Design by Kaelyn Schreiner
Campgrounds:
• Looking to include 29 new water and Electric Hook up sites for the 2026 season.
• Improving signage in Campgrounds
• Closed Campgrounds for the season. Online reservations will open mid January
2026
• Ended with 27,453 site reservation nights in the 2025 season. This number does not
include 1st come 1st serve Campgrounds — Boulder, Spring Creek and Forest Acres.
• Winterizing Campgrounds
Park Maintenance:
• Various maintenance projects around town: repairing sign posts, fences.
• Improving playground equipment in the parks.
• Replacing older toilets in public restrooms.
• Shut down restrooms in Park areas
• Hoben Park improvements
32
• Pressure washing Monuments and Pocket Park areas
Parking:
• Paid Parking is closed for the season. Parking lots will reopen May 1st 2026
• Expect an increase in parking permits for the 2026 season
Admin:
• Working on the SPRD Master Plan
• Playground Inspections
• Attended back to back conferences - Alaska Recreation and Park Association
Conference and the National Recreation and Park Association in September
• Working on Shelter Training for all staff members in Mid November.
• Completed FEMA Shelter Training
Community Library & Museum
Winter Hours
Library:
Monday to Friday: 10am — 6pm
Saturday: 10am — 5pm
Museum (Free Winter Admission):
Friday: 10am — 6pm
Saturday: 10am — 5pm
Museum Updates:
The September "Thursdays: Our History" program was celebrating our local Cemeteries
and how they tell our stories. With a great presentation by City Planner Courtney
Bringhurst, the night was filled exploring the Seward Cemetery Map, learning about the
Solstice Cemetery Tour, and finding out information on burial plots and columbarium sites.
Curator attended the Museums Alaska Board Retreat. We spent a day and a half at the
library discussing the field's needs and potential new income streams for museums. And
we were also lucky enough to visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center where we witnessed
powerful exhibits on Indigenous Boarding Schools with mentions of Benny Benson's
history, Seward's Jesse Lee Home, and the Seward Sanatorium.
Upcoming Events
The series "Thursdays: Our History" will continue Oct. 16 in the Library & Museum
Community Room.
33
Library Updates:
Good Neighbor Week
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Neighborhood Tea Party and Recipe
Share/Potluck! It was great to gather together, share delicious tea and food, and get to
know our neighbors better. We truly appreciate your participation in making this event a
warm and memorable celebration of community.
Digital Literacy Workshops (Wed 1:30-3:30 PM @ SCLM):
Oct 15- Facebook Basics (Senior Center)
Discover how to set up, navigate, and safely use Facebook to stay connected with loved
ones and communities.
Oct 22- Intro to Windows 11
Learn how to navigate and safely use Windows 11
Special Events:
Saturday Movie Matinee, free snacks and admission. 2pm every Saturday!
Oct 18th- Life Is Beautiful
Oct25th- Coraline
October 14- Book Bingo (4-5:30 PM)
Join us for Book Bingo! Playa few fun rounds, win prizes, and discover your next great read.
Play Bingo with a bookish twist! Mark off genres, titles, and themes as they're called —first
to get a line wins a prize! All ages welcome!
October 15-31 SCLM Staff Pumpkin Decorating contest
Back by popular demand! The City of Seward Staff Pumpkin Decorating Contest is here—
with a twist! This year, several city departments are joining in. Stop by the library or vote
online to crown the winning pumpkin
City of Seward Staff Pumpkin Decorating Contest - Sign Up!
Oct 31- SCLM @ Halloween Carnival @ AVTEK Gym (5-9 PM)
Check out our Halloween Carnival booth! We will have activities, treats, and a sneak peek
at library programs.
Beanstack Challenges: SCLM uses Beanstack to make reading fun and trackable for all
ages. We currently have multiple challenges running, so there's something for everyone!
Patrons can log books, earn badges, and celebrate milestones while discovering new
favorites.
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, 25 books in 2025, Fall Into Reading, Hispanic Heritage
Month, European Heritage Month, Hallow -Reads, Spooky Movies Challenge, Banned Book
Challenge
34
SOTO
GIS
CONSULTING
INC.
GIS Report
Soto GIS Consulting Inc.
Introduction
September 2025
The following report lists completed, current, and future tasks that are being worked on by Soto
GIS Consulting Inc. While the Public Map Viewer was in its first phase of testing by City staff,
Soto GIS Consulting Inc. has been working on many other GIS projects. See below for a
summary of the GIS work that has been done in September 2025.
Completed Tasks — Larger Projects
1. Water and sewer lines have been mostly added in the Hilltop area and on Maple St.
Updates were made to Ballaine Blvd and the Chugachmiut Health Clinic.
2. Available plots were added to the private cemeteries on the Cemetery Map. The layout
of the cemetery map was updated to match the format of other applications. The
Columbarium tab is a new feature that displays the information better. Draw and Print
widgets were also added to the new layout.
Old Cemetery Map layout with a small columbarium window.
rah men uay Cee.ryinlI
35
SOTO
GIS
CONSULTING
INC.
September 2025
mmm
mmm0
D0000
New Cemetery Map layout with Columbarium tab open. A picture of the City columbarium shows niches'
availability.
Completed Tasks — Smaller Projects
1. With data provided by the Executive Planning Assistant, updated CUPs that were
expired on the CUP map.
2. Added reservations to the cemetery map.
3. Added shuttle stop pictures to the shuttle stop layer. These can be seen on the Parks &
Rec map when a user clicks on a shuttle stop on the map.
4. Received feedback from the first testing period of the Public Map Viewer.
Current Tasks
1. Working on Public Map Viewer fixes and adding more items to the custom basemap that
were suggested in the survey feedback.
2. Working with Public Works to update utilities in the Dunham Dr. area.
3. Compiling data for GIS layers to be added to the public & internal map viewers. Current
layers being worked on are Short Term Rental Permits and a custom layer for the
Finance Department.
36
September 2025
4. Developing a layout for the internal map viewer with custom search bars or queries (i.e.
the Finance Department can search within their custom layer that is being created rather
than an address search).
Future Tasks*
1. After the feedback from City staff has been integrated into the Public Map Viewer, the
Public Map Viewer will be sent out for the public to test it (aiming for mid -to -late October
to have it sent out).
2. Create more tabs within the Columbarium panel to display private cemeteries'
columbaria availability.
3. Data layers for public & internal map viewer:
a. Leases
b. Building Permits
c. Other layers
Future Tasks Put on Hold from Previous Report*
1. A GIS Portal is in the works for the City of Seward. The layout will be similar to the KPB's
Geohub: https://geohub.kpb.us/
2. Print maps for the GIS Portal.
3. Scripts for automating tasks from ArcGIS Pro to ArcGIS Online. This is a lower priority
that will be worked on occasionally. The goal is to have a coded script that automatically
updates the GIS portal data layers and print maps when new data is added. Note: Soto
GIS Consulting met with Esri on this and was given suggestions on how to implement
the coded scripts. With all other projects going on, there has not been enough time to
start this task yet.
*Future tasks take several months to complete or have been pushed back as other GIS priorities come
up.
Conclusion
The GIS tasks worked on in September focused on updating and maintaining current GIS data
and mapping applications. It is important to understand that these applications can continue to
37
SOTO
GIS
CONSULTING
INC.
September 2025
be improved upon. For example, the Cemetery Map will now include private cemeteries'
columbaria. As we get more familiar with GIS and its toolsets, we may find more ways to
improve our mapping applications. Keep this in mind when the Public Map Viewer is sent out for
testing. Soto GIS Consulting Inc. looks forward to reading the public's comments on how the
new Map Viewer can be improved when it is sent out in mid -to -late October.
38
City Clerk Report
October 13, 2025
Kris Peck
The final election results will be provided as a laydown, so as
not to delay the release of this council packet. The Canvass
Board is scheduled to meet Friday at 1 pm and the process
could take a few hours to hand count the remaining 91
ballots.
A bigthankyou to all the voters, candidates, election workers,
AVO staff, Canvass Board, and the KPB staff that were
involved in this election!
39
MCS
MUNSON, CACCIOLA &SEVERIN. LLP
October 7, 2025
Seward City Council
City of Seward
PO Box 167
Seward, AK 99664
Re: September Status Report
This is our status report covering activity on legal matters worked on during
September 2025.
General Matters:
We drafted a lease and legislative package to move Pacific Seafood's processing
facility to the Seward Marine Industrial Center. We provided guidance regarding a potential
enforcement case concerning dredging, regarding the publishing of city announcements,
and provided guidance about business license requirements.
We have been assisting with two different code enforcement matters — one pertaining
to the fire code and another relating to subdivision codes.
We advised the clerk regarding the upcoming election. We also advised regarding
public records requests.
Electric Utility:
The RCA released a procedural schedule for the RTO docket. The City filed for
intervention, which is still pending. We anticipate being admitted as an intervening party this
week. We continue to assist the City in participation in the docket. This month, that
assistance included answering discovery requests that implicated Seward to the RTO,
reviewing testimony, and reviewing filings.
We analyzed whether customers outside of city limits can participate in decisions
affecting the utility. We also reviewed certain contracts for work on behalf of the utility and
management of the utility.
The RCA approved the new wholesale agreement which became effective October 6,
2025. An amendment will need to be filed to identify any RTO grandfathered agreements,
once the RTO tariff is finished being adjudicated.
1029 WEST THIRD AVENUE, SUITE 402 ANCHORAGE, AK 99501 907.272.8401
40
Status Report to Seward City Council
October 7 2025
Page 2 of 2
Planning:
We provided guidance related to a rezoning issue and a replating in the Seward
Marine Industrial Center. We also reviewed certain ordinances, including the sign
ordinance.
Port and Harbor:
We provided guidance on multiple lease questions involving assignments and liability
related to maintenance. We received a final order in the Laraux case; the court order
requires the vessel to be moved by October 31 at which time the city may dispose of it or
issue daily fines. We assisted the harbormaster with the sale of a USCG documented vessel
that had been impounded. This work will serve as model for future documented vessels
where the city needs to issue a bill of sale.
Personnel:
We advised on personnel issues as they arose, including a discipline issue. We
assisted with preparation for a deposition in the wrongful termination civil suit.
You can expect to receive our next status report in November.
Very truly yours,
MUNSON, CACCIOLA & SEVERIN LLP
Samuel C. Severin
41
ORDINANCE 2025-014
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, AMENDING
SEWARD CITY CODE §15.10.140 DEFINITIONS
FOR ANIMAL SHELTER AND VETERINARY
HOSPITAL AND §15.10.226 LAND USES
ALLOWED TABLE FOR VETERINARY HOSPITAL
Documents:
• Agenda Statement
• Ordinance 2025-014
• Attachments: None
42
City Council Agenda Statement
Introduction September 22, 2025
Meeting Date:
To: City Council
Through: Kat Sorensen, City Manager
From: Daniel Meunick, Community Development Director
Subject: Ordinance 2025-014: Amending Seward City Code §15.10.140
Definitions for animal shelter and veterinary hospital and § 15.10.226 Land
Uses Allowed Table for veterinary hospital
Background and justification:
A veterinary hospital located in Soldotna, Alaska has been offering temporary and limited
veterinary services to animals as a mobile medical unit through the Seward Animal Shelter
located at 601 Sea Lion Avenue. This property is zoned Institutional.
An animal shelter is allowed in the Institutional and Resource Management zoning districts by
conditional use permit and in the Industrial zoning district outright. A veterinary hospital,
however, not allowed in the Institutional zoning district. It is allowed in the Auto Commercial,
Industrial, and Resource Management zoning districts by conditional use permit.
This situation has provided the City with an opportunity to review the Land Uses Allowed Table
to expand the options to include the Institutional zoning district for permanent veterinary
services within Seward.
The Commission held a work session on July 15, 2025, to discuss veterinary hospitals within
Title 15. During this work session, the Commission recommended amending the definition for
veterinary hospitals and allow their use in the Institutional zoning district. During the discussion,
the Commission also recommended adding a definition for animal shelter since it is not defined
in city code but is a listed use on the Land Uses Allowed Table.
On September 2, 2025, the Planning and Zoning Commission approved Resolution 2025-028
recommending approval of the amendments to Title 15 included in this Ordinance.
Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information
This legislation is consistent with (citation listed):
Comprehensive
Plan:
Vol 1, Chapter 3.1— Economic Development
• 3.1.1 — "Attract new business and industry to the greater
Seward area."
• 3.1.1.4 — "Support private sector business, employment, and
programs."
43
• "Support and encourage the growth of business."
Strategic Plan: NA
Other:
NA
Yes
Attorney Signature: Kody George
Not applicable Comments:
Sponsored: Sorensen
Introduction: September 22, 2025
Public Hearing: October 13, 2025
Enactment:
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2025-014
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, AMENDING SEWARD CITY CODE §15.10.140 DEFINITIONS
FOR ANIMAL SHELTER AND VETERINARY HOSPITAL AND §15.10.226
LAND USES ALLOWED TABLE FOR VETERINARY HOSPITAL
WHEREAS, according to Seward City Code § 15.01.035 B (1)b, the Planning and Zoning
Commission by its own motion may recommend amendments to Title 15 to the City Council; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the community to periodically review and update
the City zoning code to reflect community changes and needs; and
WHEREAS, the Commission held a work session on July 15, 2025, to discuss veterinary
hospitals within Title 15; and
WHEREAS, there currently are no permanent veterinary hospitals operating in Seward;
and
WHEREAS, a veterinary hospital is allowed with a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) in the
Auto Commercial, Industrial, and Resource Management zoning districts; and
WHEREAS, animal shelters are allowed in the Institutional zoning district but not a
veterinary hospital; and
WHEREAS, the Commission recommended that veterinary services should be allowed in
Institutional zoning district in the Land Uses Allowed Table to ensure that there are options for
suitable locations for permanent veterinary services; and
WHEREAS, the Commission recommended amending the definition of Veterinary
Hospital to better describe the services and scope; and
WHEREAS, an animal shelter is listed in the Land Uses Allowed Table but there is no
definition for animal shelter within Title 15; and
WHEREAS, the Commission approved Resolution 2025-028 on September 2, 2025,
recommending the City Council approve the proposed changes.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY OF SEWARD ORDAINS that:
Section 1. Seward City Code Title 15.10.140B Specific Definitions is hereby amended to
read as follows (new language is in bolded italics and underlined, and deleted language is
stricken):
45
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2025-014
7. Animal shelter. A facility operated by or under contract with a municipality for the
purpose of temporary impoundment, care, quarantine, placement for adoption, and
other services for any animal abandoned, lost, surrendered, seized, or otherwise
subject to impoundment accordinji to law. Includes animal control shelter.
107.106. Veterinary services hospital. The provision of professional medical care to
animals by licensed veterinarians, and other services to animals, A facility, which
may include animal care, jrooming, and runs, in which veterinary services arc
rendered to animals and domestic pets, and which may include clipping, bathing,
boarding in a permanent facility, and other services. Includes veterinary clinic.
Section 2. Seward City Code Title 15.10.226 Land Uses Allowed Table is hereby amended
to read as follows (new language is in bolded italics and underlined, and deleted language is
stricken):
TABLE
Zoning District Designations
The following zoning district abbreviations are provided for information and interpretation:
RR =
Rural, very low density single-family residential
RI =
Single-family, low density residential
R2 =
Single and two-family, medium density residential
R3 =
Single, two and multi -family, high density residential
UR =
Urban residential, a mix of residential uses and low impact home professional
offices
OR =
Office residential
AC =
Auto and neighborhood oriented, light commercial
HC =
Harbor commercial
CB =
Central business district - dense downtown commercial
I =
Industrial
RM =
Resource management - partially developable lands subject to floodplains and
steep slopes
INS =
Institutional, public, quasi -public uses
P =
Parks
46
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2025-014
Table 15.10.226. Land Uses Allowed
Key:
O — Use Permitted Outright
H — Home Occupation
C — Use Requires Conditional Use Permit
P — Use Requires Administrative Permit
Blank — Use Prohibited
Zoning Districts
Principally Residential
Principally Commercial
Principally Public
Uses
RR
R1
R2
R3
UR
OR
AC
HC
CB
I
RM
INS
P
Veterinary services
C
0
E
0
CO
O
hesPital
Section 3. This ordinance shall take effect 10 days upon adoption.
ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, the
13th day of October 2025.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
VACANT:
ATTEST:
Kris Peck
City Clerk
(City Seal)
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
Sue McClure, Mayor
47
ORDINANCE 2025-015
AN ORDINANCE OF THE SEWARD CITY
COUNCIL, AMENDING SEWARD CITY CODE
CHAPTER § 15.20 — SIGNS
Documents:
• Agenda Statement
• Ordinance 2025-015
• Attachments: None
48
City Council Agenda Statement
Introduction September 22, 2025
Meeting Date:
To: City Council
Through: Kat Sorensen, City Manager
From: Daniel Meuninck, Community Development Director
Subject: Ordinance 2025-015: Amending Seward City Code Chapter § 15.20 —
Signs
Background and justification:
Temporary signage has historically been difficult to interpret and enforce under the existing
Seward City Code. The majority of complaints have related to "feather signs," which were not
defined in the Code and had been treated as similar to banners or flags, despite being distinct
types of signage. Past enforcement practices generally prohibited feather signs, and members of
the public have repeatedly expressed concerns to the Community Development Department that
such signs are unattractive and distracting to motorists.
Additional concerns raised by the community included the regulation of temporary, off -premises
signage on City property and inconsistencies in the regulation of awnings.
To address these issues, the Community Development Department conducted work sessions
with the Planning and Zoning Commission on July 11, 2023; August 15, 2023; and January 23,
2024. These sessions focused on clarifying how temporary signage, awnings, and other signage
types not currently addressed in the Code should be regulated.
On April 4, 2024, Resolution 2024-007, which recommended amending Seward City Code
(SCC) 15.20 — Signs, was removed from the Planning and Zoning Commission agenda during
the approval of the agenda. A subsequent work session on April 16, 2024, was held to discuss
the removal and to further refine the scope of proposed amendments. At that time, the
Commission recognized that the revisions had grown too broad and that a simplified update was
necessary. The Commission also emphasized the importance of ensuring that the Seward sign
code complies with the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Reed v. Town of Gilbert.
Following that work session, the City Attorney conducted a legal review of the Seward sign
code to ensure compliance with Reed v. Town of Gilbert and provided recommended edits. These
legal recommendations, along with the previously identified amendments related to temporary
signage and awnings, are incorporated into the attached Ordinance.
On September 2, 2025, the Planning and Zoning Commission approved Resolution 2025-030
recommending approval of the amendments to Title 15 included in this Ordinance.
49
The effect of the proposed legislation would be to:
• Update sign code language to ensure compliance with the Reed v. Town of Gilbert
Supreme Court ruling.
• Revise definitions for various types of signage.
• Amend regulations for temporary signage.
Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information
This legislation is consistent with (citation listed):
Comprehensive Plan: 2.2.8 — City Government
• "Continue to review and update the city code."
2.2.10 — Land Development
• "Ensure all adopted codes reflect community values."
3.2.1 1
• "Ensure uniform and consistent enforcement of the zoning
code, building code, subdivision ordinance, and city lease
agreements, and evaluate potential code changes to make
enforcement easier."
Strategic Plan:
Other:
NA
NA
Attorney Review
1
Yes
Attorney Signature: Kody George
Not applicable Comments:
50
Sponsored: Sorensen
Introduction: September 22, 2025
Public Hearing: October 13, 2025
Enactment:
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2025-015
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, AMENDING SEWARD CITY CODE CHAPTER §15.20 — SIGNS
WHEREAS, according to Seward City Code § 15.01.035B(1)(b), the Planning and Zoning
Commission by its own motion may recommend amendments to Title 15 to the City Council; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the community to periodically review and update
the City zoning code to reflect community changes and needs; and
WHEREAS, the regulation and use of signs has a direct impact on the feel and character
of a community; and
WHEREAS, various regulations within the sign code were vague or undefined, which was
creating difficulty for interpretation and enforcement; and
WHEREAS, Community Development has received various complaints and concerns
regarding the current regulations of temporary signage and awning signs; and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission held work sessions on July 11, 2023,
August 15, 2023, and January 23, 2024, to review the sign code and recommend changes; and
WHEREAS, on April 4, 2024, Resolution 2024-007 recommending City Council amend
Seward City Code 15.20 — Signs was removed from the Planning and Zoning Commission agenda
during the approval of the agenda; and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission held another work session on April 16,
2024, to discuss compliance with current Supreme Court rulings regarding sign discrimination and
what other changes needed to be made to the sign code; and
WHEREAS, it was recognized that the revision of the sign code had expanded beyond the
initial scope and that recommended amendments should be simplified; and
WHEREAS, the city attorney has reviewed the Seward sign code to verify its
compliance with the Reed v. Town of Gilbert Supreme Court ruling, and provided
recommended edits, which are included in the attached Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, on September 2, 2025, the Planning and Zoning Commission approved
Resolution 2025-030 recommending City Council amend Seward City Code Chapter § 15.20
Signs.
51
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2025-015
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY OF SEWARD ORDAINS that:
Section 1. Seward City Code Chapter § 15.20 Signs is hereby amended to read as follows
(new language is in bolded italics and underlined, and deleted language is stricken):
Chapter 15.20. Signs
15.20.010 Purpose and scope.
It is the purpose of this chapter to promote:
A. The protection of the health, safety, property and welfare of the citizens of Seward, and
aesthetics of the community;
B. Commercial and civic communications that accommodate the need of the community
to convey information to the public;
C. The protection and enhancement of the historic charm and natural beauty, and the
visual character and identity of the community, by the thoughtful placement and design
of signs;
D. Flexibility and incentive for creative and innovative sign designs;
E. The proper maintenance of signs; and
F. Consistency with the goals and objectives of the Seward Comprehensive Plan.
(Ord. 98-02)
15.20.015 Definitions.
For purposes of this section, the following definitions pertaining to signs shall apply:
Abandoned sign. A sign or sign structure which no longer identifies or advertises a bona
fide business, lessor, service, owner, product, or activity, and/or for which no legal owner can be
found.
Animated sign. Any sign which uses movement or changes of lighting to depict action or to
create a special effect or scene.
Awning. A structure projecting beyond a building wall at an entrance to a building, or
extending along and proiectin' beyond the building's wall, composed of a covering of rigid or
nonrigid materials and/or fabric on a supporting framework that may be either permanent or
retractable.
Banner. A temporary sign made of fabric or similar nonrigid material with no enclosing
framework but secured to a solid structure at all four corners. Banners do not include Flags as
defined by this Chapter. National flags, state or municipal flags, or the official flag of any
institution or non commercial organization shall not be considered banner,.
Building marker. Any sign indicating the name of a building and date and incidental
information about its construction, which sign is cut into a masonry surface or made of bronze or
other permanent material.
52
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2025-015
Construction sign. A temporary sign identifying an architect, contractor, subcontractor,
and/or material supplier participating in construction on the property on which the sign is
located.
Directional sign. A sign containing no advertising, and designed to direct, inform or guide
pedestrian or vehicular traffic to a location, place or convenience parking, drive through window,
restrooms.
Electricals n „ lit „t ; otion by f electrical r
Facade (false front). A false, superficial or artificial facing on a building, given special
architectural treatment. It may or may not be part of the structural wall.
Feather sign. Any temporary, portable, animated sign made of lightweight materials that
is prone to move in the wind, and that contains a pole or staff that is driven into the ground or
supported by means of an individual stand. This definition includes such signs of any shape
including flutter, bow, teardrop, rectangular, shark, and U-shaped.
Flag. A piece of cloth or similar material, attached at one edge to a pole and used as the
symbol or emblem of a country or institution, or as a marker or signal; and in no way can be
construed as advertising.
Flashing sign. A sign which contains an intermittent or sequential flashing light source.
Freestanding sign (pole, monument or ground sign). A permanently mounted, self-
supporting sign supported from the ground by means of poles, standards, or any other type of
base.
111u inated s n v illu inat d in any manner by an artificial light source.
Incidental sign. A sign, emblem, or decal informing the public of goods, facilities, or
services available on the premises, e.g., a credit card sign or sign indicating hours of business.
Identification sign. A nonelectric sign limited to the name, address and/or occupation of an
occupant or group of occupants.
Indirect illumination. Use of lights which are shielded from public view, to indirectly
project illumination onto a sign which is, itself, not internally lit.
Inflatable sign. A temporary sign filled by air or other gas and designed to be tethered to
the ground.
Marquee (canopy or awning). A permanent roof -like structure projecting beyond a building
wall at an entrance to a building, or extending along and projecting beyond the building's wall,
and generally designed to provide protection against the weather.
Marquee sign. A sign that is a part of or attached to a marquee.
Nameplate. A nonelectric sign limited to the name and address of an occupant or group of
occupants.
Nonconforming sign. Any sign which was legally erected, but does not now conform to the
regulations of this chapter.
53
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2025-015
Off -premises sign (billboard). A sign or structure which advertises a business, person,
product, activity or service not on or offered on the property on which subject sign is located,
also known as a billboard, off -site, or outdoor advertising sign.
On -premises sign. A sign which pertains to the use of the premises on which it is located.
Parapet. The extension of a false front or wall above a building roofline
Pennant. Triangular, swallow-tailed, or irregular piece of fabric or other material,
commonly attached in strings or strands, or supported on small poles intended to flap in the
wind.
Point of purchase display. Advertising of a retail item accompanying its display, e.g., an
advertisement on a product dispenser.
Politicals ^ tem„orang e f the pease-ef wig, premoting or endorsing
a political candidate, party initiative, issue, referendum or ballot proposition.
Portable sign. A sign that is not attached to any building or structure. It may readily be
picked up and moved from one location or another. It may be with or without its own wheels.
Projecting sign (fin or right-angle sign). A sign affixed to any building or structure, the
edges of which extend perpendicularly beyond such building wall.
Reader board sign (bulletin board). A sign face consisting of tracks to hold readily
changeable letters, allowing frequent changes of copy.
upon which the sign is placed.
Roof sign. Any sign erected over or on the roof of a building.
Roofline. Either the edge of the roof which is the junction of the roof and the perimeter wall
of the structure, or the peak or ridge line, whichever forms the line of the building silhouette.
Sign. Any device fixed to, painted on, or incorporated into the building surface; displayed
from or within a building or structure; or free-standing upon the site, and which is (a) visible
from a public right-of-way and (b) designed to convey or direct a message to the public
concerning the identification of the premises or to advertise or promote the interests of any
private or public firm, person or organization.
Sign area. The area of all lettering, wording, and accompanying designs and symbols,
together with the background on which they are displayed, but excluding any supporting
framework and bracing which are solely incidental to the display itself provided the same do not
contain any lettering, wording, designs, or symbols. When two identical signs faces are placed
back-to-back, so that both faces cannot be viewed from any point at the same time, and when
such sign faces are part of the same sign structure, only one side shall be considered for the
purpose of calculating total sign area.
Sign height. The vertical distance between the highest part of the sign or its supporting
structure, whichever is higher, and a level plane going through the nearest point of the improved
public right-of-way, other than an alley. In the event a sign is equidistant from more than one
improved public right-of-way, none of which are alleys, the highest point shall be used.
54
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2025-015
Sign, sandwich board (also V-shaped). Signs erected upon common or separate structures
which present a V-shape appearance and have an exterior angle between faces of not more than
45 degrees with a distance between faces of such signs at their closest point not exceeding two
feet.
Sign structure. A structure which supports or is capable of supporting any sign as defined in
this code. A sign structure may be a single pole or poles and may or may not be an integral part
of a building. If a "support" is "internally or decoratively illuminated," then it is counted as a sign
and must conform to this chapter.
Snipe sign. A temporary sign illejially placed in the public rijiht-of-way or on a property
that is not the site of the business or event or poster affixed to a tree, fence or utility pole.
Special events sign. Signs that announce a civic, cultural, unique or random event.
Street frontage. The length of a property line that borders a public right-of-way which
provides the principal means of access. Alleys, public parking lots, emergency access and/or
pedestrian easements are not generally considered as public rights -of -way for purposes of this
definition.
Suspended sign. A sign that is suspended beneath a canopy, ceiling, roof, or marquee.
Temporary sign. Any sign, banner, pennant, valance or advertising display constructed of
cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wallboard or other light material with or without frames,
intended to be displayed for a short period of time only and not permanently fixed to any
building or structure.
Traffic sign (safety sign). A sign which functions primarily to provide for the efficient, safe
and orderly flow of traffic.
Wall sign. A sign painted, mounted or otherwise affixed to the wall of a building or
structure, parallel to the building, and confined to the limits of outside wall, which includes
windows and doors.
exterior of the building. The term does not include merchandise.
(Ord. 98-02; Ord. 99-16, § 5, 1999; Ord. No. 2010-007, § 1, 10-25-2010; Ord. No. 2019-002, §
1, 1-28-2019)
15.20.020 Administration and enforcement.
A. Except as provided herein, it shall be unlawful to display, erect, relocate or alter any sign
without the property owner first filing with the Aadministrative Oofficial, as defined under
section 15.01.015, a written application and obtaining a sign permit.
B. When a sign permit is issued by the Aadministrative Oofficial, it shall be unlawful to
change, modify, alter or otherwise deviate from the terms and conditions of said permit
without prior approval of the Aadministrative Oofficial. A written record of such approval
55
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2025-015
shall be entered upon the original permit application and maintained in the files of the
Aadministrative °official.
C. A sign permit shall become null and void if the work for which the permit was issued has
not been completed within six months of its issuance. Before such work can be
recommended, a new permit to do so shall first be obtained, and the fee shall be one-half the
amount required for a new permit.
D. Fees shall be set by resolution of the City Council.
E. Issuance of a certificate of occupancy for each new facility using a sign for identification or
advertising shall be contingent upon approval of a sign permit.
F. Exceptions:
1. Painting, repainting or cleaning of a sign or the changing of copy or message thereon
shall not be considered an erection or alteration which requires a sign permit, unless
structural change is made.
2. Other specific exceptions are listed under signs allowed without permits.
(Ord. 98-02; Ord. No. 2019-002, § 1, 1-28-2019)
15.20.021 Measurement standards.
The following regulations shall control the computation and measurement of sign area and
sign height:
A. The sign area shall include the face of all the display area(s), the sign frame, the
structural support, and any attendant construction of the sign, except as follows:
1. Structural support that is located below the sign face area and its accompanying
frame, does not contain a message other than the street number in conformance
with SCC $12.01.020, and is clearly distinguishable from the sign face area, shall
not be considered sign area.
B. For a sign that is framed, outlined, painted, or otherwise prepared and intended to
provide a background for a sign display, the area of the sign shall be the area of not
more than three geometric shapes that encompass the entire area of the sign including
the background or frame.
C. For a sign comprised of individual letters, figures, or elements on a wall or similar
surface of a building or structure, or an irregular shaped freestanding sign, the area of
the sign shall be the area of not more than three regular geometric shapes that
encompass the perimeter of all the elements in the display.
D. For freestanding and projecting signs the sign area shall be computed by the
measurement of one of the faces when two display faces are joined, are parallel, or are
within 30 degrees of being parallel to each other and are part of the same sign
structure. For any sign that has two display surfaces that do not comply with the above
regulation, or has more than two display surfaces, then each surface shall be included
when determining the area of the sign.
56
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2025-015
E. The height of a freestanding sign shall be measured from the elevation of the edge of
the public right-of-way immediately adjacent to, or nearest the sign structure, to the
highest point of the sign, its frame, or decorative features.
(Ord. No. 2019-002, § 1, 1-28-2019)
15.20.025 Requirements applicable to all signs.
The following provisions shall apply in all zoning districts to all signs governed by this
ordinance, subject to the specific regulations in each zoning district:
A. Whenever two provisions of this code overlap or conflict with regard to the size or
placement of a sign, the more restrictive provision shall apply.
B. In matters of unspecified uses or clarification, the Aadministrative °official shall make
determinations.
C. Except when approved by the administrative official City Council for civic purposes,
signs are considered an accessory use on a lot. Only signs identified under section
15.20.030 are allowed on vacant lots.
D. Signs containing non-commercial speech are permitted anywhere business signs are
permitted and are subject to the same regulations applicable to such signs.
E. All signs, including signs heretofore installed, and the area around the base of each
freestanding sign, shall be constantly maintained in a state of security, safety and
repair. If any sign is found not to be so maintained or is insecurely fastened or
otherwise dangerous, it shall be the duty of the owner and/or occupant of the premises
on which the sign is fastened to repair or remove the sign within five days after
receiving notice from the administrative official.
F. Illumination from or upon any sign shall be shaded, shielded, directed or reduced so as
to avoid glare or reflection of light on private or public property in the surrounding
area and so as to avoid distracting pedestrians and motorists.
G. In those cases where a business or institution has frontage on more than one street,
signs are allowed on each street frontage, provided they are in conformance with
applicable district regulations, and that frontage limits are not combined.
H. The symbol, slogan or national trademark of a national brand beverage or other
product that is sold on the premises shall not comprise more than 25 percent of the
total area of the sign. National brand logo signs designed to hang in a window and not
exceeding four square feet, and signs advertising products that form the bulk of the
business transaction, are exempted from this provision.
J. No sign shall be located so as to physically obstruct any door, window or exit from a
building or be hazardous to a motorist's ingress and egress from any public or private
parking area.
K. Signs used seasonally are to be included in the total square footage of sign area
allowed for that district.
57
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2025-015
L. In no case shall any portion of a sign attached to a building exceed the maximum
allowable building height limit, or more than four feet above the roof line, facade or
parapet height, whichever is less.
M. No sign shall exceed the roofline of a building within any historic district.
N. Freestanding signs are subject to the following limitations:
1. Maximum height of 20 feet or the height of the building, whichever is less;
2. One per parcel;
3. Only allowed within front yards or side yards which are adjacent to a street.
O. No readerboard sign may exceed 32 square feet per side; changeable letters of such
signs must be adequately secured against wind loss, and each readerboard sign must be
one of the following:
1. A wall sign;
2. A marquee sign;
3. A freestanding sign within a structural framework.
P. Except in the central business district (CBD) zone and along the west side of Fourth
Avenue between North and South Harbor Streets, no sign, except temporary street
banners, shall project into the airspace above any right-of-way or sidewalk.
Projecting signs (fin or right angle signs) are subject to the following limitations:
1. One per pedestrian entrance;
2. Maximum height of 20 feet or the height of the building, whichever is less;
3. Shall not extend over a public sidewalk in excess of the width of the sidewalk;
4. Shall maintain a clear vertical distance above the nearest grade by a minimum of
eight feet.
(Ord. 98-02; Ord. No. 2010-007, § 1, 10-25-2010; Ord. No. 2019-002, § 1, 1-28-2019)
Q.
15.20.030 Signs allowed without permits.
The following signs are not subject to a permit requirement if the following standards are
met. They shall be regulated by the following size and placement standards and shall not be
included when calculating permitted sign area for any building or parcel. If a proposed sign
exceeds the limits of this section, a sign permit must be obtained and the signage must count
toward the total allowed signage for the building or parcel.
A. Nameplates not exceeding two square feet and building markers;
B. Standard flags and insignia of government, religious, civic, charitable, educational or
philanthropic groups which can, in no way, be construed as advertising;
58
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2025-015
C. Signs identifying the historic name of a building, provided that such name is approved
by the historic preservation commission and the sign does not exceed 20 square feet in
size;
D. Legal notices, traffic signs, information signs, historic signs or directional signs erected
by government bodies and signs required by law;
E. Directional signs not exceeding six square feet (directional signs contain no
advertising);
F Signs advertising subdivision tract developments of two or more acres, not exceeding
32 square feet and limited to one such sign per street frontage;
F.G.
G.14.
Incidental signs not exceeding four square feet each;
Notices and warning signs of not more than two square feet each in area, i.e.,
vacancy, no trespassing, beware of dog;
H. LPoint of purchase advertising displays;
L J. Structure or improvements intended for a separate use, such as, donation containers,
product dispensers, trash receptacles or recycling boxes;
K. Suspended signs provided they do not cxtcnd farther from the building facadc than the
marquee or canopy to which they are attached, do not exceed four square feet in area,
and maintain a clear distance of eight feet between the sidewalk and the sign bottom.
One sign per pedestrian entrance;
J. L. Signs or scoreboards on athletic fields intended for on -premises viewing;
K. M. Fuel price signs not exceeding 20 square feet per sign face, with one sign allowed
per abutting street right-of-way;
L. N Two-sided or three -sided signs mounted on the roof of a vehicle for hire (as
defined in section 8.20.010) not exceeding 14 inches in height and 39 inches in length
on each side; signs on the side of said vehicle not exceeding four square feet; or a sign
mounted between the bumper and the lowest level of the rear window, not exceeding
18 inches by 36 inches;
M. O. Signs on vehicles, primarily and actively used for business purposes, which
identify the firm or its principal product (see also section 15.20.035C.);
N. P Wall and freestanding murals which are purely decorative in nature and content,
and do not include advertising by picture or verbal message;
O. Q7 Signs painted on or placed inside windows, as long as they do not extend beyond
the first story of the building and do not block any opening required for entrance or
exit from buildings;
P P Temporary signs may be posted for not more than 30 days in a 180 day time
period.
1. One temporary sign is allowed per property if non-commercial residential, and
one for each business in commercial districts;
59
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2025-015
2. Temporary signs may include banners and portable signs, such as sandwich
boards and weighted signs, as specified in 15.20.035F., flags, or pennants;
3. Temporary signs may not exceed 4-2- 6 square feet in residential areas and 32 24
square feet in commercial or industrial districts;
4. Temporary signs referencing a date or event shall be displayed no earlier than 30
days prior to the event and must be removed within ten days following the date or
event;
5. Special noncommercial event signs may be erected two weeks prior to the event.
6 Political signs not more than six square feet per sign in residential districts and 32
square feet per sign in commercial districts may be displayed no earlier than 30
days prior to any election and shall be removed within seven days following the
election; provided that signs erected for any primary election that remain relevant
to the following general election may be maintained for the period between
elections;
7. Garage sale signs located at the site of the sale.
6. Feather signs may be allowed by mobile vendors during specific scheduled
community events as determined and approved by administrative official.
7. Temporary signs posted on City property require approval by the City Manager.
(Ord. 98-02; Ord. No. 2010-007, § 1, 10-25-2010; Ord. No. 2019-002, § 1, 1-28-2019)
15.20.035 Prohibited signs.
Unless otherwise and specifically authorized, the following signs are prohibited in all
districts:
A. Any sign contrary to the provisions of this chapter;
B. Signs within any sight distance triangle or right-of-way, unless otherwise authorized;
C. Signs attached to, or placed on, vehicles or trailers which are parked or located for the
primary purpose of displaying said sign (see also signs allowed without permits —
vehicles with signs used in the normal course of business);
D. Off -premises signs and/or billboards except the posting of temporary signs relating to
civic events as allowed under section 15.20.030P(7) and subject to the limitations of
this chapter;
E. Snipe signs;
F. Portable signs, except sandwich boards and weighted signs, provided that they do not
exceed ten square feet per side and are located entirely on private property;
G. Signs which interfere with radio and television reception;
60
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2025-015
H. Flashing and animated signs; except time and temperature; and except open signs
placed inside a window;
I. Any sign with incandescent lamp bulbs exposed to view, with or without internal or
external reflectors; not to include neon signs as allowed in other sections of title 15;
J. Banners, clusters of flags, feather signs, inflatable signs, pennants, ribbons, streamers,
balloons or bubble machines, except as allowed under section 15.20.030PR.;
K. Suspended strings of lights, spinners; twirlers or propellers; flashing, rotating (except
barber poles) or blinking light; beacons; chasing or scintillating lights; flares, or signs
containing elements creating sound;
L. Abandoned signs or sign structures;
M. Signs imitating or resembling a traffic -control sign, signal or device, or the light of an
emergency vehicle; or which obstructs the visibility of any traffic or street sign or
signal device;
N. Projecting signs and freestanding signs fronting alleyways;
O. Signs advertising a home occupation.
(Ord. 98-02; Ord. No. 2010-007, § 1, 10-25-2010)
15.20.040 Sign standards by zoning district which require permits.
All signs, except those specifically allowed without permits, shall be calculated in
determining the total square footage of sign area on a parcel.
A. Residential Rural residential, single-family residential, two-family residential, multi-
family residential, and urban residential districts. Only the following types of signs
shall be permitted in the residential zoning districts, except as provided for otherwise
within this chapter and zoning code. Illumination of these signs shall be limited to
indirect lighting.
1. Signage for churches, public and quasi -public institutions, including schools and
municipal buildings, may erect for their own use:
a. One identification sign not exceeding 20 square feet in area;
b. One announcement sign or bulletin board not exceeding 20 square feet in
area;
c. The height of any freestanding signs shall not exceed eight feet.
2. Multiple family (two- to four -unit) dwellings are allowed one sign identifying the
premises, not exceeding six square feet in area, and five feet in height if
freestanding.
3. Multiple family dwellings of five units or more may have one sign, not exceeding
20 square feet in area and if freestanding, not exceeding eight feet in height.
B. Office residential, auto commercial, and industrial districts.
61
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2025-015
1. For any permitted residential use, signs for such use shall conform to the
requirements in subsection A. of this section.
2. For all permitted uses, or legal nonconforming uses, the combined square footage
of signs shall not exceed one square foot per lineal foot of property street
frontage, to a maximum of 200 square feet per parcel.
3. Signage is not allowed within side yards or attached to sides of buildings which
front side yard areas, except in cases of multiple frontage lots where a side
property line fronts an alley.
4. Signage fronting alleys is limited to one identification sign, not exceeding two
square feet, unless a business has a customer entrance on the alley. If a business
has a customer entrance on the alley, up to 25 percent of the property's total
allowed signage may be reallocated, as a wall sign only, to front the alley.
5. Freestanding and projecting and marquee signs, if internally illuminated, shall
not exceed 32 square feet in area per side; otherwise, a maximum of 50 square
feet per side is allowed (see subsections 15.20.0251Vb or Q0. for freestanding or
projecting sign limitations).
C. Central business district. For all permitted or legal nonconforming uses, the following
limitations shall apply:
1. Combined square footage of signs shall not exceed two square feet per lineal foot
of street frontage to a maximum of 200 square feet per parcel.
2. Any portion of a property's total allowed signage may be allocated to the sides or
rear of the lot at the discretion of the property owner.
3. Freestanding signs, if internally illuminated, shall not exceed 32 square feet in
area; otherwise, a maximum of 50 square feet is allowed (see section
15.20.0251VL. for freestanding sign limitations).
4. Marquee or projecting signs, which project over a public right-of-way may not
extend farther toward the street than the marquee or the width of the sidewalk and
may not exceed 25 square feet in area (see section(s) 15.20.030K. for under
marquee signs, 15.20.025QQ. for projecting signs).
D. Harbor commercial district.
1. The following property frontages may be combined at one square foot per lineal
foot of frontage to maximum of 200 square feet of signage per parcel:
a. A street;
b. The harbor basin;
c. The public boardwalk;
d. Where a building faces toward a street but does not abut it; or
e. A public parking lot.
62
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2025-015
2. At the discretion of the property owner, any portion of a property's total allowed
signage may be allocated to the sides or rear of the lot not fronting 1.a.—e., above
so long as it does not exceed one square foot per lineal foot of that property line.
3. Freestanding, projecting and marquee signs, if internally illuminated, shall not
exceed 32 square feet in area per side; otherwise, a maximum of 50 square feet
per side is allowed (see section 15.20.025/VE. for freestanding sign limitations).
4. Marquee or projecting signs, which project over a public right-of-way may not
extend farther toward the street than the marquee or the width of the sidewalk and
may not exceed 25 square feet in area (see section 15.20.030K., for under
marquee signs, and section 15.20.025Q0., for projecting signs.)
E. Institutional, park and resource management districts.
1. Signs for any permitted commercial and industrial uses shall conform to the
requirements in subsection B. herein.
2. Signs for all other permitted uses, or legal nonconforming uses, are subject to the
following limitations:
a. One permanent identification sign is permitted for each premises. The area of
the sign shall not exceed one square foot for each lineal foot of street
frontage, provided no such sign shall exceed 40 square feet;
b. No sign shall exceed eight feet in height; and
c. Illumination for institutional facilities shall be restricted to indirect lighting.
(Ord. 98-02; Ord. 99-16, § 5, 1999; Ord. No. 2010-007, § 1, 10-25-2010)
15.20.050 Nonconforming signs.
The intent of this section is to permit the continuance of nonconforming signs until such
time as they are removed, but not to encourage their perpetuation or expansion.
A. Nonconforming signs are allowed to continue, subject to the following:
1. Shall not be used as grounds for adding additional nonconforming signs;
2. Shall not be structurally altered so as to change the shape, size or type of sign, or
be relocated, except into conformance with this Code;
3. Shall not be allowed to remain after the activity, business or use to which it relates
has been discontinued; and
4. Must be removed if damaged in such a manner that the estimated expense of
repair exceeds 50 percent of its replacement value.
B. Nothing in this section shall relieve the owner or user of a nonconforming sign, or
owner of the property on which the nonconforming sign is located, from the provisions
of this Code regarding the safety, maintenance and repair of signs.
63
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2025-015
C. An illegal sign is any sign within the City limits which does not comply with the
requirements of this Code or previous codes at the time the sign was erected, and
which is not eligible for characterization as nonconforming. The City may immediately
remove any sign located on City property or right-of-way.
(Ord. 98-02)
15.20.055 Variance procedure provided.
A. The commission is hereby authorized to grant special variances from the provisions of this
chapter in accordance with the following restrictions:
1. To encourage the use of signs which are harmonious with Seward's scenic beauty and
historic character, the commission may issue a variance for specific signs up to 1.5
times larger than provided in this chapter. Each applicant for such variance shall
submit a scale drawing and a color rendering of the proposed sign(s) in relation to its
surroundings.
2. A variance may be granted in harmony with the general purpose and intent of this
Code by varying the application of rules, regulations or provisions so long as the spirit
and benefits of this Code will be preserved.
3. The commission may vary the rules and regulations or provisions of this Code
provided the commission, upon due and diligent investigation, makes specific findings
that all of the following conditions have been considered:
a. The variance will not constitute a grant of a special privilege inconsistent with the
limitation upon signage and uses of other properties in the vicinity and zone in
which the property, on behalf of which the application as filed, is located;
b. That such variance is necessary because of special circumstances such as, but not
limited to, health and safety or the size, shape, topography, location or
surroundings of the subject property, to provide it with signage use rights and
privileges permitted to other properties in the vicinity and in the zone in which the
subject property is located;
c. That the granting of such variance will not be materially detrimental to the public
welfare or injurious to the subject property or improvements in the vicinity and in
the zone in which the subject property is situated.
4. In granting a variance, the commission may attach thereto such conditions regarding
the location, character and other features of the proposed sign as it may deem
necessary to carry out the spirit and purpose of this code of moderating the size,
number and obtrusive placement of signs and reduction of clutter in public interest.
B. Fees for sign variances shall be set by resolution of the City Council.
(Ord. 98-02)
Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
64
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2025-015
ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, the
13th day of October 2025.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ATTEST:
Kris Peck
City Clerk
(City Seal)
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
Sue McClure, Mayor
65
ORDINANCE 2025-016
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, AMENDING
SEWARD CITY CODE §15.10.140 DEFINITIONS
FOR DWELLING, APARTMENT, COMMERCIAL
BUILDING; AND MIXED -USE DEVELOPMENT
AND TABLE § 15.10.226 LAND USES ALLOWED
FOR DWELLING, APARTMENT IN A
COMMERCIAL BUILDING
Documents:
• Agenda Statement
• Ordinance 2025-016
• Attachments: None
66
City Council Agenda Statement
Introduction September 22, 2025
Meeting Date:
To: City Council
Through: Kat Sorensen, City Manager
From: Daniel Meuninck, Community Development Director
Subject: Ordinance 2025-016: Amending Seward City Code §15.10.140
Definitions for Dwelling, Apartment, Commercial Building and Mixed -
Use Development and Table § 15.10.226 Land Uses Allowed for Dwelling,
Apartment in a Commercial Building
Background and justification:
During Planning and Zoning Commission work sessions over the past year, housing and parking
issues were frequently discussed. A recurring concern was the lack of clarity in the Seward City
Code regarding regulations for mixed -use buildings and mixed -use development. Currently, the
Code does not include a definition for "mixed -use buildings" or "mixed -use development."
Although mixed -use developments are permitted within the zoning code, their allowance is
determined by whether the individual uses are permitted within the zoning district where the
development is proposed. References to mixed -use development appear in the Land Uses
Allowed Table and the parking code, but these provisions are fragmented and would benefit
from greater consistency and clarity. For example, "Dwelling, apartment in a commercial
building (two or more units)" are permitted outright in the Office Residential and Auto
Commercial zoning districts, while they require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) in the Central
Business and Harbor Commercial zoning districts. Additionally, the parking code outlines
regulations for "group use of lots," which further impacts mixed -use projects.
Public feedback during these discussions highlighted particular concern with the regulations for
apartments in commercial buildings within the Central Business District. Because these projects
require a CUP and face ambiguous parking requirements, it is difficult for developers to plan
with certainty. Without a clear standard, a developer cannot determine how many apartment
units may be feasible, as the Commission has broad discretion in requiring parking as a condition
of approval. This creates significant financial and regulatory uncertainty, which discourages
development.
It was also noted that many existing apartments in commercial buildings within the Central
Business District are considered "nonconforming," as they were constructed prior to the CUP
requirement. If one of these buildings were destroyed, a CUP would now be required for
reconstruction, and the owner would face the same uncertainty as a new developer, with no
assurance the building could be rebuilt in its prior form.
67
On July 15, 2025, the Planning and Zoning Commission held a work session, which included
discussing mixed -use development and apartments in commercial buildings. The Commission's
discussion focused primarily on establishing clear definitions for "mixed -use buildings" and
"mixed -use development" and clarifying its treatment within the Land Uses Allowed Table.
Parking requirements associated with mixed -use buildings and mixed -use developments were
set aside to be addressed later in the context of the broader parking code review already
underway.
On September 2, 2025, the Planning and Zoning Commission approved Resolution 2025-029
recommending approval of the amendments to Title 15 included in this Ordinance.
The effect of the proposed legislation would be to:
• Establish a definition of mixed -use development in the Seward City Code.
• Permit apartments in mixed -use buildings outright in the Central Business and Harbor
Commercial zoning districts.
Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information
This legislation is consistent with (citation listed):
Comprehensive Plan:
Strategic Plan:
Other:
Yes
Vol 1, Chapter 2.2 — Community Values
• 2.2.8 — City Government: "Continue to review and update the
city code."
• 2.2.10 — Land Development: "Ensure all adopted codes reflect
community values."
• 2.2.11 — Economic Base: "Promote infill development by
encouraging and promoting construction on vacant sites in
areas of the city which are already established."
Vol 1, Chapter 3.2 — Land Use
• 3.2.1.2 — "Expand the opportunity for affordable, diverse, year-
round housing through appropriate land use regulations."
Vol 1, Chapter 3.3 — Housing
• 3.3.1.1 — "Support a range of housing choices that meet the
needs of people in various income and age groups."
• 3.3.1.2 — "Create incentives to provide land for housing
development within the City of Seward."
NA
NA
Attorney Signature: Kody George
Not applicable Comments:
68
Sponsored: Sorensen
Introduction: September 22, 2025
Public Hearing: October 13, 2025
Enactment:
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2025-016
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, AMENDING SEWARD CITY CODE §15.10.140 DEFINITIONS
FOR DWELLING, APARTMENT, COMMERCIAL BUILDING; AND
MIXED -USE DEVELOPMENT AND TABLE §15.10.226 LAND USES
ALLOWED FOR DWELLING, APARTMENT IN A COMMERCIAL
BUILDING
WHEREAS, according to Seward City Code §15.01.035, the Planning and Zoning
Commission by its own motion may recommend amendments to Title 15 to the City Council; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the community to periodically review and update
the City zoning code to reflect community changes and needs; and
WHEREAS, during Planning and Zoning work sessions discussing housing and parking
issues, concerns regarding the lack of clarity for mixed -use buildings and mixed -use developments
arose; and
WHEREAS, there are no definitions in the Seward City code for mixed -use buildings or
mixed -use development; and
WHEREAS, the Land Uses Allowed Table allows two or more apartments in a
commercial building outright in Office Residential and Auto Commercial zoning districts, and
requires a Conditional Use Permit in the Central Business and Harbor Commercial zoning district;
and
WHEREAS, requiring a Conditional Use Permit in the Central Business zoning district
for mixed -use buildings would create several non -conforming structures; and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission held a work session on July 15, 2025,
to discuss mixed -use developments and apartments in mixed -use buildings and recommend
changes; and
WHEREAS, the proposed code change is consistent with values and goals expressed in
the Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission approved Resolution 2025-029 on
September 2, 2025, recommending the City Council approve the proposed changes in code.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY OF SEWARD ORDAINS that:
69
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2025-016
Section 1. Seward City Code Title §15.10.140 Definitions is hereby amended to read as
follows (new language is in bolded italics and underlined, and deleted language is stricken):
B. Specific definitions. (Parenthetical references are for cross-reference only.) In this chapter,
unless otherwise provided or the context otherwise requires:
31. Dwelling. A building designed or used exclusively as living quarters for one or more
families.
c. Apartment, commercial mixed -use building. An apartment located within a
building designed to accommodate a mix of residential and commercial non-
residential uses.
58. Mixed -use development. A development that combines two or more land uses
permitted in the zoning district, such as residential, commercial, and/or public uses in
a single building and/or on a single site.
Section 2. Seward City Code Title 15.10.226 Land Uses Allowed Table is hereby amended to
read as follows (new language is in bolded italics and underlined, and deleted language is
stricken):
TABLE
Zoning District Designations
The following zoning district abbreviations are provided for information and interpretation:
RR =
Rural, very low density single-family residential
R1 =
Single-family, low density residential
R2 =
Single and two-family, medium density residential
R3 =
Single, two and multi -family, high density residential
UR =
Urban residential, a mix of residential uses and low impact home professional
offices
OR =
Office residential
AC =
Auto and neighborhood oriented, light commercial
HC =
Harbor commercial
CB =
Central business district - dense downtown commercial
I =
Industrial
RM =
Resource management - partially developable lands subject to floodplains and
steep slopes
70
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2025-016
INS =
Institutional, public, quasi -public uses
P =
Parks
Table 15.10.226. Land Uses Allowed
Key:
O — Use Permitted Outright
H — Home Occupation
C — Use Requires Conditional Use Permit
P — Use Requires Administrative Permit
Blank — Use Prohibited
Zoning Districts
Principally Residential
Principally Commercial
Principally Public
Uses
RR
RI
R2
R3
UR
OR
AC
HC
CB
I
RM
INS
P
Dwelling, attached
accessory dwelling
unit
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
C
Dwelling, detached
accessory dwelling
unit
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
C
Dwelling,
apartment in a
mixed -use
O
O
O
O
O
C
commercial
building (limited to
one unit)
Dwelling,
apartment in a
mixed -use
O
O
O
C
O
C
commercial
building (two or
more units)
Dwelling,
apartment, studio
CCCCC
C
Dwelling, attached
single-family, i.e.,
townhouse, row
CCCCCC
C
71
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
ORDINANCE 2025-016
Zoning Districts
Principally Residential
Principally Commercial
Principally Public
Uses
RR
Rt
R2
R3
UR
OR
AC
HC
CB
I
RM
INS
P
Dwelling,
condominium
CC
C
C
C
C
C
Dwelling, detached
single-family
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
C
C
Dwelling, group
home
O
O
O
O
O
O
C
Dwelling, guest
house
0
0
C
Dwelling, multi-
family (3 or more
units)
CCCCCC
C
Dwelling, two-
family or duplex
O
O
O
O
O
C
C
Dwelling,
0
C
watchman or
caretaker
Section 3. This ordinance shall take effect 10 days upon adoption.
ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, the
13th day of October 2025.
AYES:
NOES:
AB SENT:
ABSTAIN:
VACANT:
ATTEST:
Kris Peck
City Clerk
(City Seal)
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
Sue McClure, Mayor
72
RESOLUTION 2025-096
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AND
EXECUTE THE PURCHASE AND SALE
AGREEMENT AND RELATED DOCUMENTS FOR
THE PURCHASE OF 2.7 ACRES OF LAND,
PHYSICAL ADDRESS 104 BENSON DRIVE,
PARCEL 14502302, IN THE AMOUNT OF $580,000
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
Documents:
• Agenda Statement
• Resolution 2025-096
• Attachments:
o Public Safety Feasibility Study (PD Excerpt)
o Tsunami Inundation Map
o Resolution 2025-084
o Purchase Sale Agreement
o Capital Acquisition Fund
73
City Council Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: October 13, 2025
To: City Council
Through: Kat Sorensen, City Manager
From: Jason Bickling, Deputy City Manager
Subject: Resolution 2025-096: Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into and
Execute a Purchase and Sale Agreement and Related Documents for the
Purchase Of 2.7 Acres of Land, Physical Address 104 Benson Dr, Parcel
14502302, in the Amount of $580,000 and Appropriating Funds
Background and justification:
In 2023, the City commissioned a Public Safety Feasibility Study (excerpt from Police Department
portion attached to this legislation) to determine the current status and future needs of the facilities
for the Fire and Police Departments. Both of the current facilities were built in the 1960s following
the 1964 Good Friday earthquake. Since those facilities were built, Seward's population has
doubled. Staff, equipment size, and technology have increased significantly. Additionally, there
were no service needs "across the bay" as the Nash Road extension and SMIC hadn't been
developed. All of these factors significantly impact the facility size required.
The official feasibility study determinations were that the facilities were outdated, significantly
undersized in both interior and exterior spaces, and don't meet the current code requirements and
recommendations for police and fire professional organizations. It was also determined that the
Fire Department and Police Department do not need to be co -located. While both departments are
in public safety, functionally there is very little overlap, and there will not be significant cost
savings by co -locating. Additionally, co -location has the potential to create vulnerability. If a co -
located facility were made inoperable by a disaster, both police and fire services would be lost.
The feasibility study determined that the minimum lot size for an adequate police department
facility is around two acres. In addition to the Police Department, this facility would house the
City's Dispatch Center as well as the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) that would be stood
up in the event of a disaster or significant emergency situation. This vital facility needs to be
located outside of the 2022 UAF Tsunami Inundation Zone (map attached).
The City does not purchase land without careful consideration of both current and future
community needs, recognizing that developable land in Seward is limited and that, in many cases,
addressing middle housing solutions must take priority. When the City does move forward with a
purchase, it is because the property has been identified as essential to meeting long-term needs —
not just for today, but for decades to come.
74
In recent years, the City has sold over six acres of land. The list below is the year of the sale, the
property size, the price, and the price per acre.
2021 — Chugachmiut Clinic Property: 3.31 acres $663,500 ($200,453 per acre)
2022 — Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute Property: 1.5 acres $500,000 ($333,333 per acre)
2023 — Seward City Tours: 1.4 acres $290,000 ($207,142 per acre)
The current property is 2.7 acres for $580,000 ($214,815 per acre). This aligns with the price the
City has sold land for, accounting for inflation over the last few years. The city just recently
closed on the sale of the Alutiiq Pride property. These funds will contribute to the purchase of
this property.
This future facility will not have a jail in it. The city ceased operating the state jail two years ago
as they were not funding it fully. The City paid hundreds of thousands of dollars from City funds
annually (taxpayer dollars) as the state was only meeting half of their funding obligation.
Additionally, the City could not compete with Spring Creek Correctional Facility for staff, as they
have higher hourly pay, signing bonuses, and significant overtime opportunities.
It has also been determined that keeping the DMV facility in City Hall will best serve the public,
as it is a community business operation rather than a police function, and citizens need access to
the Finance Utility Counter for proof of residence. Removing the jail and the DMV from the police
facility will help shrink the square footage needed and reduce the cost of the building.
In summary, this is a good property for the city to purchase:
• It aligns with the Comprehensive Plan: 2.2.9 Public Safety:
o Support adequate police services and equipment
o Maintain an effective public safety communications system in Seward
• The price is fair market value
• It meets the size needs of the future facility requirements as determined by the study
• It is outside of the most recent update of the Tsunami Inundation Zone
• It is in close proximity to all three Seward Schools
• For the EOC, the emergency shelter is in the high school and the supplies are in the
adjacent Borough maintenance facility
Administration has heard concerns from the public about potential traffic impacts of placing a
police station in a residential neighborhood. On a day-to-day basis, the Police Department
generates very little traffic. The department no longer provides public services such as
fingerprinting, and —unlike the Fire Department —officers do not typically respond from the
station but directly from the field. At any given time, only two to three officers are on duty,
working 10- to 12-hour shifts, and they spend 60-70% of their time in the field rather than at the
station. This results in far fewer vehicle trips than most other uses of the property. For comparison,
if the parcel were developed for housing —whether a dozen single-family homes or multi -unit
apartments —it would create significantly more traffic. To further ease concerns, the City has also
engaged with the school district and Borough about establishing additional access points through
school property to help disperse traffic flow.
75
Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information
This legislation is consistent with (citation listed):
Comprehensive Plan: 2.2.9 Public Safety: Support adequate police services and equipment,
Maintain an effective public safety communications system in Seward
3.7.1.3 Continue to improve the quality and efficiency of city governmental
services
Strategic Plan:
Other:
Certification of Funds
Total amount of funds listed in this legislation: $ 580,000
This legislation (✓):
Creates revenue in the amount of:
Creates expenditure in amount of:
Creates a savings in the amount of:
Has no fiscal impact
X
Funds are (✓):
Budgeted Line item(s):
Not budgeted
Not applicable
X
$
$ 580,000
$
Affected Fund (✓):
General
Boat Harbor
Motor Pool
Available Fund Balance
SMIC
Parking
Other
Electric
Water
$
Wastewater
Healthcare
Note: amounts are unaudited
Finance Director Signature: ult.
3
9"zote
X
Yes
Attorney Signature: /s/ Kody George
Not applicable Comments:
Administration Recommendation
X
Adopt Resolution
Other:
76
Sponsored by: Sorensen
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2025-096
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AND
EXECUTE THE PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT AND RELATED
DOCUMENTS FOR THE PURCHASE OF 2.7 ACRES OF LAND,
PHYSICAL ADDRESS 104 BENSON DRIVE, PARCEL 14502302, IN THE
AMOUNT OF $580,000 AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
WHEREAS, the City of Seward commissioned R&M to conduct a public safety feasibility
study in 2023 to determine the current status and future needs of the police and fire department
facilities; and
WHEREAS, that study determined that the current Police Department facilities are
significantly undersized and outdated; and
WHEREAS, this proposed facility would house the Police Department, Dispatch, and
Emergency Operations Center with a minimum lot requirement of approximately 2 acres; and
WHEREAS, the property in question is 2.7 acres and is located completely out of the
Tsunami Zone (UAF 2023) and in close proximity to the Seward Schools and Emergency Shelter
location; and
WHEREAS, the selling price is in line with what the city has sold land for in recent years
and thus an appraisal is not necessary; and
WHEREAS, in order for the city to pursue funding, we need to have a site chosen and land
acquired.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEWARD, ALASKA that:
Section 1. The City Council finds it is in the public's interest to enter into a purchase and
sale agreement with Cara Osenga via sole source negotiation pursuant to Seward City Code 7.05.120
and 7.05.135, under the essential terms and conditions in the attached Purchase and Sale Agreement.
Section 2. The attached Purchase and Sale Agreement is hereby approved and the City
Manager is hereby authorized to execute the Purchase and Sale Agreement in substantially the same
form as attached hereto and to make such corrections and execute related documents as may be
necessary to fulfill the intent of this resolution on behalf of the City of Seward.
Section 3. Funding in the amount of $580,000 and execution costs is hereby appropriated
from the Capital Acquisition Fund Land Capital Outlay Account 80010-0000-8100.
77
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2025-096
Section 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, this 13tn
day of October 2025.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
VACANT:
ATTEST:
Kris Peck, City Clerk
(City Seal)
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
Sue McClure, Mayor
78
Resolution 2025-096
Existing Conditions: Police Dept
Seward Police Department has done an admirable job of maintaining its existing facility
which is far beyond its useful life. The facility itself lacks the space and infrastructure to meet
modern policing standards for internal and external operations and to provide safety of staff
and the public and housed offenders. Its public -facing services within the building are very
limited and not welcoming as well as not providing current accessibility standards for visitors
or staff.
The new facility planning should not only look to the needs identified in the subsequent
section but look ahead to future goals of Seward Police services. Those goals are primarily
identified as:
Provide an open and inviting public lobby as well as community space for the city of
Seward
• Provide adequate spaces and technology to serve the Police and civilian staff in an
efficient and secure facility.
• Provide a modern, secure jail to humanly house adult male and female offenders as well
as limited juveniles.
• Acting as an Dispatch Center for police operations
The primary goal for the replacement of the existing Police Department facility is to improve
operational deficiencies, including internal relationships between departments, enhanced
security measures to protect public facing staff and provide a secure process for receiving
and processing sensitive evidence as well as defining the secure police staff and incoming
offender entry points with modern jail facilities that meet all requirements of the American
Correctional Association physical plant standards.
City of Seward :: Public Safety Building
Needs Assessment & Site Selection Report
December 22, 2023
R&M Consultants / KPB Architects / Integrus Architecture
10
Resolution 2025-096
Existing Conditions: Police Department
SERVERS
PATROL
CHIEFS
OFFICE
DEPUTY
CHIEF
OFFICE
HALLWAY
ADMIN
DISPATCH
BREAK
WOMEN
T.
CORRIDOR LOBBY
RECEPTION
TA
UP
COUNCIL ROOM
CITY PLANNER
FIRST FLOOR
MEN
T.
CITY CLERK
UTILITY
OFFICE
OFFICE
OFFICE
BILLING
VAULT
OFFICE
COMPTROLLER
VEST
JUVENILE/
WOMEN
V I/
FAN
JUVENILE/
WOMEN
GAURD
ST.
T.
VISITOR
CORRIDOR
MAX SECURITY
DETOX
C
BOILER RM
STORAGE
DAY ROOM
MAINT
SHOP
4
STORAGE
BASEMENT
R&M Consultants / KPB Architects / Integrus Architecture
0 4' 8' 16'
City of Seward :: Public Safety Building
Needs Assessment & Site Selection Study
December 22, 2023
80
Resolution 2025-096
Existing Conditions: Police Department
GENERAL
• The facility is currently located within a tsunami
inundation zone.
• There is known to be asbestos building materials
within the existing facility.
• In general, almost every space does not have the
space that it requires for proper and safe storage of
materials.
• Security is highly deficient in the existing facility.
There is no separation of public and police staff
zones.
• Most systems within the building have degraded or do
not provide the appropriate infrastructure for current
needs including:
• HVAC system is far beyond its useful life
• IDF and IT infrastructure is within the building but has
been in a "make do" situation.
• Plumbing
• Electrical
PUBLIC
The public entrance to the existing station is not
ADA accessible, refer to Fig.18 with individual
shown for scale. This is problematic in that special
accommodation must be made when access is needed
prior to access.
The public lobby is undersized, and reception/dispatch
does not have a visual connection to the lobby. Once
the Lobby is reached, further ADA access is not
provided.
There is no control over the public accessing private
office space upon entry, and if the admin personnel
need to step away for a moment, the public can
access the "secure zone" without permission. A
new facility should have a welcoming lobby, but also
provide an access point between the lobby and police
administrative functions.
Public access to fingerprinting and inmate visiting is
through the jail booking area, refer to Fig.19 showing
basement access door. Stairs up to grade are behind
door labeled 'EXIT'. It should be accessible from or at
the lobby.
Administration
City of Seward Public Safety Building
Needs Assessment & Site Selection Study
December 22, 2023
R&M Consultants / KPB Architects / Integrus Architecture
81
Resolution 2025-096
Existing Conditions: Police Department
• The Police Chiefs office space is too small and does
not provide meeting space within the office, refer to
Fig. 20
• The overall Administration area is also too small
and not properly located to the areas served.
• Most offices are undersized and do not
accommodate meeting space within the office.
PATROL
• Patrol is currently sized for 1 -2 officers, but up to 4
officers may use the office at one time, refer to Fig.
21 and Fig. 22
• A properly outfitted patrol room with file storage,
equipment storage and other needs does not exist.
• Dedicated staff and patrol entry points are not
provided, as well as secure parking for staff.
• Dedicated spaces for various interview needs are
not provided.
• Locker rooms and staff training areas are
nonexistent or inadequate.
• Evidence receiving, processing and storage does
not have a secure transfer process and storage is
inadequate and not designed to current standards,
refer to Fig. 23
• Drug testing area is not properly provided.
• Space for large evidence or vehicle storage does
not exist.
• Secure parking for Police services and staff is not
provided. Public parking is limited.
R&M Consultants / KPB Architects / Integrus Architecture
City of Seward :: Public Safety Building
Needs Assessment & Site Selection Study
December 22, 2023
82
Resolution 2025-096
Existing Conditions: Police Department
BREAK / LUNCH
• Break room is too small to accommodate staff,
Kitchen area is inadequate and not sized for future
growth, refer to Fig. 24
JAIL
• ACA standards are not accommodated.
• Existing cells do not meet current ADA standards.
• Lack of natural Lighting, refer to Fig. 25
• Access to personal hygiene and plumbing fixtures.
Only one shower is functional.
• The ability to properly classify inmates by security
levels is limited.
• Adequate dayroom space is not provided.
• Line of sight supervision not provided without staff
moving to each area, refer to Fig. 26
• No secure outdoor recreation.
• Inadequate space allowed for storage of supplies,
clothing, etc.
• Intake/Booking area is not ADA accessible and
secure passageway from a Vehicle Sallyport does
not exist.
• The storage room for issued inmate clothing mixes
inmate property with inmate personal clothing and
property, and staff uniforms, refer to Fig. 27
• Jail Kitchen primarily prepares frozen meals. If
this was to change, equipment is not provided to
accommodate. Appliances are residential quality
and need updated. Food storage is adequate for 1 to
2 weeks' worth of supplies.
TRAINING
• There are currently no training facilities on site,
GROUNDS
• Public parking is inadequate.
• Secure Patrol and Staff parking is not provided.
• Secure vehicle sally port for incoming arrestees is
not provided.
City of Seward Public Safety Building
Needs Assessment & Site Selection Study
December 22, 2023
R&M Consultants / KPB Architects / Integrus Architectu
Resolution 2025-096
Space Needs Assessment
The following spreadsheets summarize the Design Team's findings for the space needs of the
City of Seward Public Safety Departments; Police, Fire, Emergency Medical Services, Building
Department, and Department of Motor Vehicles.
The summary sheet includes existing square footages for each department, the current need,
and the future need based on growth projections over 20 years.
SPACE PLANNING SUMMARY - BUILDING
DEPARTMENT
GROUP
EXISTING SF
CURRENT NEED
SF
FUTURE NEED
SF
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Public
639
3,428
3,428
Administration
936
2,706
3,246
Living
2138
3,700
4,680
Duty Crew Report
0
200
200
Apparatus
3274
10,540
10,540
Fire Dept. Subtotal
6,987
20,574
22,094
Grossing Factor @ 35%
-
7,201
7,733
FIRE DEPT TOTAL BUILDING AREA (SF)
6,987
27,775
29,827
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Public Access Zone 940 3,500
3,500
Police Administration Zone 565 1,740
1,740
Department of Motor Vehicles 472 625
635
Patrol 235 1,510
1,660
Evidence 200 935
935
Police Operation Support Services 80 3,500
3,500
Detention 1,185 3,750
3,750
Police Dept. Subtotal 3,677 15,560
15,720
Grossing Factor @ 35% - 5,446
5,502
POLICE DEPT TOTAL BUILDING AREA (SF) 3,677 21,006 21,222
SPACE PLANNING SUMMARY - SITE
DEPARTMENT
GROUP
EXISTING SF
CURRENT NEED
SF
FUTURE NEED
SF
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Site Development 3,750
25,500
25,500
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Site Development 800
22,300
24,100
TOTAL SITE AREA (SF) 4,550
47,800
49,600
City of Seward :: Public Safety Building
Needs Assessment & Site Selection Report
December 22, 2023
R&M Consultants / KPB Architects / Integrus Architecture
84
Space Needs Matrix
Resolution 2025-096
Refer to space plans for preliminary layouts and
additional information.
R&M Consultants / KPB Architects / Integrus Architecture
POLICE DEPARTMENT SPACE PLANNING
Number
Room Designation
Existing Space
Current Need
Future Need
Operational Requirements
Qty
Total SF
Qty
SF/ Room
Total SF
Qty
Total SF
PUBLIC ACCESS ZONE
P.01
Public Lobby
1 450
1
800
800
1
800
P.02
Public Restrooms
1
350
2
225
450
2
450
P.03
Interview
1
110
1
80
80
1
80
P.04
Fingerprint
0
-
1
80
80
1
80
P.05
Expired Drug drop box
0
-
1
40
40
1
40
P.06
Public Service Counter
1
30
1
50
50
1
50
P.07
Meeting/Training and Public Community Room
0
-
1
2,000
2,000
1
2,000
Subtotal Public Access Zone
940
3,500
3,500
POLICE ADMINISTRATION ZONE
P.10
Reception/Dispatch
1
180
1
400
400
1
400
P.11
Restrooms
0
-
2
120
240
2
240
P.12
Police Chief Office
1
120
1
300
300
1
300
P.13
Administrative Assistant
1
75
1
140
140
1
140
P.14
Deputy Chief Office
1
110
1
210
210
1
210
P.15
AV Closet
1
80
1
100
100
1
100
P.16
Police Chief Conference Room
0
-
1
350
350
1
350
Subtotal Police Administration Zone
565
1,740
1,740
DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES
V.1
Waiting
1
320
1
350
350
1
350
Accommodate 15 people
V.2
Testing
1
16
1
10
10
2
20
1 kiosk provided by State, growth to 2
V.3
Photo
1
16
1
10
10
1
10
V.4
Clerk Workstation
1 120
1
150
150
1
150
V.5
Small Meeting Room 0 -
1 105 105
1
105
Private conversation area; adjacent to DMV office
Subtotal Dept of Motor Vehicles 472
625
635
PATROL
P.25
Sargents Office
0
-
1
150
150
2
300
P.26
Squad Room
1
215
1
650
650
1
650
P.27
Ammunition Storage
1
20
1
80
80
1
80
P.28
Armory
0
-
1
120
120
1
120
P.29
Weapons Cleaning Room
0
-
1
80
80
1
80
P.30
Interview Room
0
-
1
100
100
1
100
P.31
Forensic Child Interview/Observation
0
-
1
230
230
1
230
P.32
Observation Room
0
-
1
100
100
1
100
Subtotal Police Administration Zone
235
8
1,510
1,510
1,660
EVIDENCE
P.35
Incoming Evidence Processing
0
-
1
200
200
1
200
Space for Patrol Officers to label and submit evidence
P.36
Evidence Processing
1
50
1
125
125
1
125
In Evidence Storage
P.37
Evidence Storage
1
150
1
400
400
1
400
Secured
P.38
Drying Room
0
-
1
60
60
1
60
P.39
Tech Office
0
-
1
150
150
1
150
Subtotal Police Administration Zone
200
935
935
City of Seward : Public Safety Building
Needs Assessment & Site Selection Report
December 22, 2023
85
Resolution 2025-096
Space Needs Matrix
POLICE DEPARTMENT SPACE PLANNING
Number
Room Designation
Existing Space
Current Need
Future Need
Operational Requirements
Qty
Total SF
Qty
SF/ Room
Total SF
Qty
Total SF
POLICE OPERATIONS SUPPORT SERVICES
P.45
Staff Lockers/Shower - Male
0
-
1
840
840
1
840
P.46
Staff Lockers/Shower - Female
0
-
1
400
400
1
400
P.47
Fitness Room
0
-
1
600
600
1
600
P.48
Equipment Room
0
-
1
100
100
1
100
P.49
Kitchen/Break Room
1
80
1
500
500
1
500
IncLudes oven/range and hood, refer, dishwasher, etc
P.50
Outdoor patio
0
-
1
200
200
1
200
Patio or internal Atrium
P.51
Quartermaster
0
-
1
200
200
1
200
P.52
Trash Enclosure
0
-
1
60
60
1
60
P.53
Dormitory space for Recruits
0
-
1
300
300
1
300
P.54
Mothers Room
0
-
1
60
60
1
60
P.55
Storage
0
-
2
120
240
2
240
Subtotal Police Support Services
80
3,500
3,500
DETENTION
P.60
Safety Cell
1
100
2
80
160
2
160
Detetion area could be a lower level if daylighting is provided
P.61
Cell - Male
1
300
5
80
400
5
400
P.62
Cell - Female
1
100
2
80
160
2
160
P.63
Cell - Juvenile
0
-
1
80
80
1
80
P.64
Visiting
0
-
2
80
160
2
160
P.65
Shower
1
15
1
50
50
1
50
P.66
Auto Sallyport
0
-
1
1,200
1,200
1
1,200
P.67
Processing/Booking
1
100
1
320
320
1
320
P.68
Property Storage
1
200
1
300
300
1
300
P.69
Laundry
1
100
2
100
200
2
200
P.70
Drying Room
0
-
2
60
120
2
120
P.71
Drug/Firearm Storage
0
-
2
50
100
2
100
P.72
Dayroom
1
270
1
500
500
1
500
Subtotal Detention
1,185
3,750
3,750
GROUNDS
S.01
Secure Fenced parking
1
1
6,000
6,000
1
7,000
Space for 20 staff/patrol vehicles (5 covered stalls)
S.02
Impounded Vehicle Bays
1
1
3,000
3,000
1
3,500
Space for 10 vehicles
S.03
Seized Vehicle garage
1
800
1
900
900
1
1,200
Space for 3 vehicles
S.04
DMV Driving test grounds
0
-
1
10,000
10,000
1
10,000
Testing currently occurs on public roads.
Can be combined w/ FD general parking
S.05
DMV Staff parking
1
600
600
1
600
2 parking spaces for DMV staff
Can be combined w/ FD general parking
S.06
DMV Visitor parking
1
1,800
1,800
1
1,800
6 parking spaces for DMV visitors
Can be combined w/ FD general parking
Subtotal Grounds
800
22,300
24,100
City of Seward : Public Safety Building
Needs Assessment & Site Selection Report
December 22, 2023
Refer to space plans for preliminary layouts and
additional information.
R&M Consultants / KPB Architects / Integrus Architecture
Resolution 2025-096
Site Analysis
CURRENT FACILITY SITES
All departments being considered in this
Public Safety Building Needs Assessment
and Site Selection Study are currently
located on a 1.85-acre campus comprised
of two sites: City Hall, and the Fire Station
Complex. This campus is in the heart of
Downtown Seward and the public safety
facilities are approaching or beyond
their anticipated design life and are not
sufficiently meeting the needs of the
community as noted in Needs Assessment
portion of this report.
FIRE AND POLICE SERVICE AREA
Seward Fire Department and Police
Department service all areas within city
limits and provide mutual aid to neighboring
agencies. When backup is needed, it is
typically by State Troopers or other first
responders outside of city limits, such as in
Bear Creek or Lowell Point Fire Department.
See Needs Assessment for more information.
Figure 1. City of Seward Boundary Map
CRITERIA FOR SITE SELECTION
Site evaluation is an essential step when exploring renovation of an existing facility,
acquisition of an adaptive re -use facility, or new construction for public facilities.
Opportunities for a single shared facility or combination of multiple facilities on separate or
shared sites are being considered and will be dependent on available compatible sites and
programming recommendations. Locational considerations are crucial to ensure facilities
are properly located for effectiveness and their ability to response to emergency situations.
Multiple resources on facility planning and site selection studies were reviewed to inform
this effort, including Police Facilities Planning Guidelines by the International Association of
Chiefs of Police, to ensure best practices are being applied.
Some locational considerations will be more significant to some departments than others;
for example, ease of accessibility for the public will be very important for the Building
Department and Department of Motor Vehicles who are customer -facing services, but
less significant for Dispatch. Therefore, each site will be evaluated using the locational
considerations for each department or programmed department pairings as defined in the
Needs Assessment. Sites are being evaluated for their ability to comply with or support the
following considerations and meet minimum requirements where noted.
R&M Consultants / KPB Architects / Integrus Architecture
City of Seward :: Public Safety Building
Needs Assessment & Site Selection Report
December 22, 2023
Resolution 2025-096
Site Analysis
LOT SIZE AND CONFIGURATION
SIZE
The site should be appropriately sized to accommodate the square footage of anticipated
building(s), associated parking, turnaround spaces, storage, and other accessory structures.
Lot size should be based on future need to ensure sufficient space for expansion if the new
facility(s) are not fully built out at time of construction.
Table 1. Site Size Estimations
Future Need
Building Size (sq. ft.)
Future Grounds
Need (sq. ft.)
Site Size (sq. ft.)
Fire Station
29,827*
25,500
Approx. 100,000 (2.2-2.4 acres)
Police Station
21,087^
24,100
Approx. 85,000
(1.8-2.1 acres)
Combined Building
47,874-
37,200
Approx.125,000 (2.7-3.1 acres)
Combined Campus (separate
buildings, same site)
50,914
37,200
Approx.130,000 (2.8-3.2 acres)
CONFIGURATION / SHAPE
The shape of a parcel can limit site design options, especially for fire stations where parking
and maneuvering of large vehicles occurs daily. Triangle or highly irregularly shaped parcels
are not recommended due to inefficiency and limitations, unless they are larger than the
recommended site size and comply with other locational criteria of particularly high value.
Fire station apparatus bays typically require long street frontages on either side, so unless
there is a pull -through option for street access on either side, sites without right-of-way on
the longer sides of the parcel should be avoided.
VEHICULAR & PEDESTRIAN ACCESS
The site must have enough space for department vehicles to maneuver safely and reliably,
including ingress and egress to the site, within the site, and in and out of the apparatus bays
as needed. While site design and circulation layout are not yet known, vehicular maneuvering
space, employee parking, and vehicle storage needs have been taken into considering in the
Site Size calculation shown under Lot Size & Configuration.
Opportunities for appropriate driveway/access points that accommodate emergency response
vehicles' turning radius, have sufficient sight distance and separation from other driveways
or intersections, and manageable travel speeds of vehicles on access roads should be taken
into consideration. Access roads to a public safety building should be of sufficient width to
allow for vehicles to pull over/yield to responding emergency vehicles (fire truck) and be well
City of Seward Public Safety Building
Needs Assessment & Site Selection Report
December 22, 2023
R&M Consultants / KPB Architects / Integrus Architecture
88
Resolution 2025-096
89
Resolution 2025-096
Sponsored by: Sorensen
Public Hearing: September 8, 2025
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2025-084
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE THE
PURCHASE OF PARCEL 14502302 (LEGAL DESCRIPTION: T 1S R 1W
SEC 4 SEWARD MERIDIAN SW 0830032 JESSE LEE HEIGHTS SUB
ADDN NO 2 LOT 2)
WHEREAS, the Public Safety Feasibility Study determined that the current Police
Department facilities are significantly undersized, inefficient, and do not meet current code; and
WHEREAS, this property was a site consideration during the Public Safety Feasibility
Study discussions; and
WHEREAS, the 2.7-acre property at 104 Benson Drive was recently put up for sale; and
WHEREAS, approving this resolution gives the City Manager the authorization to discuss
and negotiate with the seller, and
WHEREAS, if a tentative agreement is reached, it would be brought back before council
in a resolution with a public hearing to approve the purchase price and purchase and sale
agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEWARD, ALASKA, that:
Section 1. The City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager to negotiate the purchase
of parcel 14502302 (Legal Description: T 1S R 1W SEC 4 SEWARD MERIDIAN SW 0830032
JESSE LEE HEIGHTS SUB ADDN NO 2 LOT 2).
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska this 8th
day of September 2025.
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
Inc
O> (�c. C'Q.t�w
Sue McClure, Mayor
90
Resolution 2025-096
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2025-084
Page 2 of 2
AYES: Warner, Crites, Wells, McClure
NOES: Finch
ABSENT: Barnwell
ABSTAIN: Osenga
ATTEST:
Kris Peck
City Clerk
(City Seal)
, otsIIltI,,
.stA of SE47s.�
c,..0-No%
• SEAL .
ory Q g-
91
Resolution 2025-096
AGREEMENT TO PURCHASE AND EARNEST MONEY RECEIPT
This Agreement to Purchase and Earnest Money Receipt ("Agreement") describes the terms and conditions of sale of the below -
described real property and shall be effective as of the latest of the dates on which this Agreement is signed by representatives of
Buyer and Seller, as indicated on the signature page(s) below (the "Effective Date"). This is a legally binding contract. Read
carefully before signing. If not understood, seek competent legal advice. The Parties must clearly checkmark the boxes and fill in
any blanks that apply to this Agreement, initial, and sign where indicated.
SELLER: Cara Osenga
BUYER: The City of Seward
Seller agrees to sell and Buyer agrees to buy, on the terms and conditions herein, the following described real property having a
street address of: 104 Benson Drive, Seward AK 99664
For Property known as: Lot 2, Jesse Lee Heights Addition No. #2, according to Plat No. 83-32, Seward Recording District, Third
Judicial District, State of Alaska, (herein, the "Property") as more particularly described on Exhibit A attached hereto.
1. PURCHASE AGREEMENT TERMS
1.1 Purchase Price to be: $ 580,000
1.2 Purchase is contingent on the Buyer's governing body, the Seward City Council, appropriating funds and authorizing the terms
and conditions of this Agreement as required under SCC Title 7.05 during the Inspection Period. Failure of the City Council to
appropriate funds and approve the terms of this Agreement during the Inspection Period will terminate this Agreement without
penalty to Buyer and will not be considered a breach of this Agreement; provided, however, Buyer agrees to apply immediately
after the Effective Date for and diligently and in good faith pursue the approval and appropriation of the funds for the purchase.
1.3 Earnest Money shall be in the amount of $ 8,000.00 in the form of ❑ Cashier's Check ❑Personal Check
❑ Promissory Note; or ❑X wire transfer. Buyer shall deposit the earnest money within ten (10) business days in the Trust Account of
Marathon Trust Real Estate, which shall hold earnest money in trust pursuant to a separate escrow agreement, if such escrow
agreement is required by the escrow agent.
1.4 All Cash Offer. BUYER agrees to supply SELLER within the Inspection Period evidence of appropriation of sufficient funds and/or
proceeds necessary to close the transaction.
1.5 Title/Escrow Company:
Address:
Attn: Lender: None
1.6 The consummation of the transaction contemplated by this Agreement (the "Closing") shall be on or before fifteen (15) days
after the expiration of the Inspection Period. "Closing Date" is defined as: The day that the deed is recorded to transfer right, title
and interest to the property to Buyer and consideration is paid to Seller.
At Closing, Seller shall deliver to Buyer the following documents:
(a) A special warranty deed (the "Special Warranty Deed"), conveying title to the Property to Buyer in fee simple, free and clear of
all liens and encumbrances whatsoever, except for the Permitted Exceptions (as hereinafter defined), and warranting the title
to the Property against the lawful claims of all persons claiming by, through or under Seller, but no further or otherwise.
(b) An affidavit complying with Section 1445(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
(c) Such other documents as are consistent with the terms of this Agreement and reasonably required to close the transaction
contemplated by this Agreement.
At Closing, Buyer shall deliver to Seller the following documents:
Buyer's initials Date Buyer's initials Date Seller's initials Date Seller's initials Date
4820-7455-1540v3
92
Resolution 2025-096
(a) The Purchase Price in immediately available funds.
(b) Such other documents as are consistent with the terms of this Agreement and reasonably required to close the transaction
contemplated by this Agreement.
1.7 Possession: shall be 1=1 On delivery or recording of the deed, subject to existing leases or ❑ Subject to occupancy agreement.
2. CLOSING COSTS
Closing fees and costs shall be paid by the parties on the Closing Date, as follows:
2.1 Seller and Buyer shall split the escrow closing fee in equal shares. Each party shall bear its own legal fees and costs, and any
other closing costs not listed herein shall be paid by the parties in equal shares.
2.2 Seller shall be responsible for tax registration, real estate broker compensation, owner's title insurance and if applicable and any
assessments and/or liens against the Property.
2.3 Buyer shall be responsible for all fees and costs related to any endorsements to the Owner's Title Insurance requested by
Buyer, any sales tax and any fees due to lending requirements not specifically covered herein (if applicable), and recording fee.
3. CONTINGENCIES
The contingencies listed below or on attached addendum shall be deemed to have been released, waived, or satisfied, and this
Agreement shall continue to the Closing Date, unless, by the date specified for each contingency ("Release Date") the Party
requesting that contingency has notified the other Party in writing that the contingency is not released, waived, or satisfied. If a
Party has notified the other Party prior to the release date that a contingency is not released, waived, or satisfied, this Agreement
is terminated, and earnest money will be returned to the buyer, unless the Parties negotiate other terms or conditions. Buyer shall
provide Seller, at no cost, copies of all reports and documents regarding the Property obtained as a result of the below described
contingencies within five (5) days of receipt.
3.1 Title Contingency.
Seller shall order promptly after the Effective Date and provide Buyer with a preliminary title report (the "Title Commitment") for
the Property. This Agreement is contingent upon Buyer's receipt and approval (to Buyer's satisfaction, subject to the terms of this
Section 3.1 of the Title Commitment). Release Date: Buyer will have ten (10) days from receipt of the Title Commitment to raise
objections by written notice thereof (the "Title Defect Notice") from Buyer to Seller.
If Buyer timely delivers the Title Defect Notice to Seller, Seller, at Seller's expense, will have the option, but not the obligation,
within thirty (30) days from receipt of Buyer's Title Defect Notice to remove the title defects and encumbrances set forth in the
Title Defect Notice, with the exception of any deeds of trust, mortgages, mechanic's or materialmen's liens (arising by or through
Seller), tax liens and judgment liens, which Seller shall remove at or prior to the Closing. If the Seller is unable or elects not to
correct the defects and encumbrances set forth in the Title Defect Notice within such thirty (30) day period, the Buyer shall elect
(at Buyer's sole option) by written notice (the "Title Election Notice") to Seller within ten (10) business days after receipt of
Seller's election not to correct such defects and encumbrances either (i) to accept title subject to the defects and encumbrances
which are not cured and proceed to Closing without reduction of the Purchase Price in which event such defects and
encumbrances shall become Permitted Exceptions, or (ii) to terminate this Agreement whereupon all earnest money paid by
Buyer will be immediately returned to Buyer, in such event, Seller will be liable for any cancellation fee for the Title Commitment.
Buyer's failure to deliver the Title Election Notice within such ten (10) business days, shall conclusively be deemed to be Buyer's
election to accept title subject to the defects and encumbrances which are not cured and proceed to Closing without reduction of
the Purchase Price.
"Permitted Exceptions" is defined as: (1) general and special taxes, including special assessments and personal property taxes, if
any, a lien not delinquent, for the fiscal year including the Closing Date; (2) exceptions on record, including, without limitation,
those shown on the Title Commitment except those matters which Seller has agreed in writing to cause to be removed at or
before Closing; (3) matters arising by or under Buyer, (4) all matters on an ALTA survey if Buyer obtains such, at its sole cost and
Buyer's initials Date Buyer's initials Date Seller's initials Date Seller's initials Date
4820-7455-1540v3
93
Resolution 2025-096
expense, or that would be disclosed by an ALTA survey of the Property if Buyer elects not to obtain such, (5) existing zoning
restrictions promulgated by the applicable governmental authorities and affecting the Property as of the Effective Date, and (6)
existing leases.
3.2 Inspection Contingency.
Buyer ❑X is not waiving the inspection contingency and is entitled to inspect the Property as described in the Inspection Agreement
Addendum, which is incorporated into this Agreement.
3.3 Conforming Development.
In addition to any other contingencies identified in this Agreement, the Buyer's offer is contingent on the Property and the uses
therein fully complying with Seward City Code. If for example, the Property is deemed to be nonconforming or noncompliant,
Buyer may terminate this Agreement without penalty. Seller agrees to authorize Buyer to submit —at Buyer's sole cost —a variance
application with the City Clerk. SCC 15.10.325.
4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
4.1 Title. The Seller shall convey title by Special Warranty Deed_ Title shall be, at closing date,free and clear of all liens and
encumbrances, except Permitted Exceptions.
4.2 Condition of the Property. Buyer represents and warrants to Seller and Licensee(s) associated with this Agreement that Buyer
is completing Buyer's own independent due diligence, inspections and investigations of the Property, and of matters listed as
Contingencies and Disclosures, in Paragraphs 3.3 and 6 of this Agreement, respectively, unless waived, and that the decision to
purchase is not based upon any representations or warranties of Seller or any Licensee(s) associated with this Agreement,
expressed or implied (which includes, but is not limited to the property's square footage, septic system, latent defects, plumbing,
heating, electrical systems, fixtures, appliances, roof, sewer, soil conditions, foundation, structural conditions, insulation, and
compliance with state, federal and municipal law), but solely upon the independent due diligence, investigations and inspections of
Buyer.
4.3 Damage or Destruction. Seller agrees, in the event that the Property is destroyed or materially damaged prior to the Closing
Date, the earnest money shall be returned to the Buyer and this Agreement is terminated, unless the Parties agree otherwise in
writing. Any insurance or utilities prepaid by Buyer will be reimbursed by Seller, but Seller shall not reimburse Buyer for other costs
incurred, including costs related to appraisal and inspection.
4.4 Representations of Funds. Subject to Section 1.2 above (appropriation by the Seward City Council), the Parties represent and
warrant that they have sufficient funds to comply with the terms and conditions of this Agreement and are not relying on any
contingent source of funds Buyer shall establish tax and insurance reserves, as appropriate. If Buyer neglects or refuses to comply
with any of the conditions, to make all required payments promptly, Buyer becomes unable to qualify for financing, fails to provide
lender with necessary information to process an application, lacks sufficient funds to close, or otherwise fails to comply with this
Agreement, then the earnest money and additional earnest money, if any, shall be forfeited to Seller.
4.5 Use and Operation of the Property. Seller represents and warrants to Buyer, as of the Effective Date of this Agreement through
the Closing Date, the Property will be used, operated and managed by the Seller in a manner consistent with the way the Property
is currently being used, operated and managed. Seller will not execute or modify any existing lease or other agreement regarding
the Property, without first obtaining the written consent of Buyer.
5. DISCLOSURES
5.1 Environmental and Regulatory. To the actual knowledge of Seller, and except as expressly disclosed in writing to the Buyer by the
Seller on the Effective Date, Seller represents and warrants to Buyer that there has been no release of Hazardous Substances, as
defined in this Section, in, on, onto, under, or from the Property prior to the Closing Date, there are not now any underground storage
tanks located on the Property, whether presently in service or closed, abandoned, or decommissioned, and no underground storage
tanks have been removed from the Property in a manner not in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws; there is no
pending or written notice of a threatened litigation affecting, involving, or relating to the Property or any portion thereof; and no civil
or criminal proceedings or investigations have been instigated at any time or are now pending, and no written notices, claims,
Buyer's initials Date Buyer's initials Date Seller's initials Date Seller's initials Date
4820-7455-1540v3
94
Resolution 2025-096
demands, or orders have been received, arising out of any violation or alleged violation of, or failure to comply with, any federal, state,
or local law applicable to the Property or its use.
"Hazardous Substances" shall include pollutants or substances defined as hazardous waste, hazardous substances, hazardous
materials, pollutants, contaminants, or toxic substances in the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability
Act of 1980 (CERCLA), 42 U.S.C. § 9601 et seq., as amended; in the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (PL 99-
499), as amended; in the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 U.S.C. § 1801 et seq., as amended; in the Toxic Substance
Control Act, 15 U.S.C. §2601 et seq., as amended; the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, 42 U.S.C. § 6901 et seq., as
amended; the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq., as amended; or the Alaska hazardous substance liability law (A.S.
46.03.822).
Each of the representations and warranties of Seller contained in this Agreement or any documents executed pursuant hereto or in
connection herewith shall survive for a period of six (6) months following the Closing Date (the "Survival Period"). Any claim which
Buyer may have against Seller for a breach of any such representation or warranty, whether such breach is known or unknown,
which is not specifically asserted by written notice to Seller within the Survival Period shall not be valid or effective, and it shall be
deemed released and Seller shall have no liability with respect thereto.
6. DISCLOSURES OF INFORMATION
Upon written request, Seller shall deliver to Buyer the following information and documents regarding the Property to the extent
they exist and are in Seller's possession: building plans, as -built survey, and service contracts, if any. Prior to procurement and
disclosure, it is the disclosing Parties' duty and obligation to redact personal information from documents. Buyer and Seller agree
that all such information and documents are provided in good faith without representation or warranty, express or implied, and no
responsibility is or will be accepted by the disclosing Party as to the accuracy and completeness of the information and documents.
7. DEFAULT
Failure to comply with any terms or conditions of this Agreement shall constitute default or breach in which case Buyer and Seller
will have the following remedies.
7.1 If Buyer fails to comply with the terms and conditions of this Agreement and/or complete the purchase of the Property, Seller
may: (1) terminate this Agreement and the earnest money may be forfeited by Buyer and paid to Seller, but only if Buyer breaches
this Agreement; or (2) demand Buyer reimburse all costs and fees incurred by Seller relating to this Agreement. These are the only
remedies for breach of this agreement and are liquidated damages. Seller may not seek additional damages or specific
enforcement of this Agreement.
7.2 If Seller fails to comply with the terms and conditions of this Agreement and/or complete the sale of the Property, Buyer may do
any of the following: (1) terminate this Agreement and the earnest money shall be returned to the Buyer but only if Seller breaches
this Agreement; and (2) demand Seller reimburse all costs and fees incurred by Buyer relating to this Agreement. These are the only
remedies for breach of this agreement and are liquidated damages. The Buyer may not seek additional damages or specific
enforcement of this Agreement.
8. EARNEST MONEY DISPOSITON
If Buyer or Seller is in default or breach, earnest money may not be released or paid to Buyer or Seller unless the Parties sign a
Termination of Agreement to Purchase with Release of Earnest Money Addendum. If a dispute arises, prior to release or payment
of the earnest money, the company holding the earnest money shall retain the money until one of the following occurs:
(1) A written release is executed by Buyer and Seller agreeing to disbursement of the earnest money.
-OR-
(2) A legal action is filed regarding the Agreement and/or release and distribution of the earnest money, at which time the
earnest money shall be deposited with the Superior/District Court Clerk where the legal action is filed.
Buyer's initials Date Buyer's initials Date Seller's initials Date Seller's initials Date
4820-7455-1540v3
95
Resolution 2025-096
-OR-
(3) Ninety (90) days have passed since the effective date of the Termination Agreement and the Parties have not exercised options
(1) or (2), at which time title company must release or pay the earnest money to Buyer or Seller. Title Company must release or
pay the earnest money no less than ninety (90) days and no more than one hundred eighty (180) days after the effective date of
the Termination Agreement. Fifteen (15) days prior to release or payment under option (3), title company must send the
Parties written notice, at the Parties address described in the Termination Agreement, of the release.
9. CLOSING
9.1 Condition of Property on Closing Date. Buyer acknowledges that Buyer has the right to, and was advised to, conduct a pre -
closing walkthrough. At day and time of closing, the Property shall be in substantially the same condition as on the Effective Date,
with the exception of normal wear and tear.
9.2 Proration of Taxes. As applicable, for the current year and month, Buyer and Seller agree to prorate taxes, water and
sewer system charges, and any other applicable charges as of the Closing Date unless otherwise agreed in writing by Buyer
and Seller.
9.3 Fuel. Buyer shall pay Seller for all fuel and/or propane an amount equal to the fuel's value within five (5) days of the Closing
Date.
9.4 Utilities. Buyer shall be responsible for transferring all utilities into its name effective on the Closing Date.
9.5 Extension of Closing Date. A fourteen (14) day extension of the Closing Date shall not be unreasonably withheld by the Parties.
The Parties shall not be liable to each other for costs incurred as a result of a 14-day extension of the Closing Date. Any additional
extension beyond the above -referenced fourteen (14) days must be agreed to in writing by Buyer and Seller.
9.6 Access to Property. 0n the Closing Date, unless otherwise agreed to in writing, Seller shall furnish to Buyer all keys,
alarm/security codes, etc. to Buyer.
10. MISCELLANEOUS TERMS AND CONDITIONS
10.1 Time is the essence as to the terms and conditions of thisAgreement.
10.2 Buyer's rights under this Agreement are not assignable without the Seller's express written consent.
10.3 If an action or proceeding is brought in connection with this Agreement, the successful or prevailing Party shall be entitled to
recover reasonable attorney's fees, court costs, and other reasonable fees and costs incurred in that action or proceeding (whether
at trial, on appeal, and/or in bankruptcy or similar proceeding) and in enforcing any judgement rendered thereon, in addition to any
other relief to which it may otherwise be entitled. For purposes of this Agreement, the prevailing Party means the Party who
succeeds either affirmatively or defensively under claims having the greater value or importance, as decided by the court.
10.4 The Parties agree that a facsimile, digital, or scanned copy of this Agreement which contains the Parties' signatures may be used
as the original. The parties acknowledge that digital or facsimile signatures have the same legal effect as a "wet" signature.
10.5 This Agreement, together with any attached exhibits and any addenda or amendments signed by the Parties, shall constitute
the entire agreement between Seller and Buyer, and supersedes any other written or oral agreements between Seller and Buyer.
This Agreement can be modified only in writing, signed by the Seller and Buyer.
10.6 A copy of this Agreement may be executed by each individual/ entity separately, and when each has executed a copy thereof,
such copies, taken together, shall be deemed to be a full and complete agreement between the Parties.
10.7 Headings preceding the text of the paragraphs and subparagraphs in this Agreement are inserted solely for convenience or
reference and shall not constitute a part of this Agreement, nor shall they affect the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
Buyer's initials Date Buyer's initials Date Seller's initials Date Seller's initials Date
4820-7455-1540v3
96
Resolution 2025-096
10.8 All documents and addendums signed by the Parties that are referred in this Agreement, attached to this Agreement, or
specifically referenced or labeled as part of this Agreement, shall be incorporated in and be a part of this Agreement.
10.9 This Agreement shall be governed by Alaska law and any dispute brought in the Superior Court of Seward.
10.10 The terms and conditions of this Agreement and any addendums and counter offers shall survive and extend beyond the
closing of this Agreement, except to the extent expressly set forth herein otherwise or to the contrary.
10.11 Buyer and Seller acknowledge and agree that they have been advised and have had a reasonable opportunity to obtain or have
obtained independent legal and tax advice from a licensed and certified attorney, tax attorney and accountant regarding the legal
and tax consequences of this Agreement, that they have read and fully understand the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and
that the terms and conditions of this Agreement are reasonable.
10.12 Buyer and Seller are to comply in all aspects of the Foreign Investment in Real Estate Tax Act Section 1445 which requires the
Closing Agent to withhold and pay to the IRS a required amount if Seller is "a foreign person" unless exempt from FIRPTA. A "foreign
person" is identified within the Foreign Investment in Real Estate Tax Act.
10.13 If Buyer or Seller makes this transaction part of an IRC 1031 Exchange, there will be no cost or liability to the other Party. Both
Parties agree to execute any and all documents necessary for Exchange and understand that the Party completing this exchange may
assign this Agreement to Purchase to a qualified intermediary for the purposes of completing the exchange.
10.14 In this Agreement and all related documents and addendums, unless the context otherwise clearly indicates, words used in the
singular include the plural, the plural includes the singular, and the neuter gender includes the masculine and feminine.
10.15 Any notices, requests or other communications required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be
delivered (i) by hand, (ii) by a widely recognized national overnight courier service, (iii) by electronic mail or (iv) mailed by first class
United States mail, postage prepaid and addressed to each party at its address as set forth on the signature page. Any such notice,
request or other communication shall be considered given or delivered, as the case may be, (a) on the date of delivery, if delivered
in person or by electronic mail (provided no email automatic bounceback is received and such email notice is sent prior to 5:00 p.m.
on a business day; if after 5:00 p.m. then shall be deemed received on the next business day); (b) on the next Business Day following
the date sent by commercial overnight courier; or (c) on the date of delivery or refusal if sent by first class U.S. Mail. Rejection or
other refusal to accept or inability to deliver because of changed address of which no notice was given shall be deemed to be receipt
of the notice, request or other communication. By giving at least five (5) days prior written notice thereof, any party may from time
to time at any time change its mailing address hereunder.
10.16 BUYER AND SELLER EACH HEREBY WAIVE THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY DISPUTE ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT.
10.17 If the time period or date by which any right, option or election provided under this Agreement must be exercised, or by which
any act required hereunder must be performed, or by which the Closing must be held, expires or occurs on a day that is not a
business day, then such time period or date shall be automatically extended through the close of business on the next succeeding
day which is a business day. As used herein, the term "business day" means a day other than a Saturday or a Sunday, or a day on
which banking institutions in the State of Alaska are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to be closed.
10.18 Seller and Buyer mutually represent and warrant to each other that they have not dealt, and will not deal, with any real estate
broker or sales representative in connection with this proposed transaction, except for Jodi L. Toloff (the "Broker"), broker for Seller.
Seller shall pay Broker a commission pursuant to a separate agreement. This Section shall survive the Closing or any termination of
this Agreement.
10.19 Referendum. Nothing in this Agreement shall affect or reduce the rights of the voters of the City of Seward to reject the City
Council's approval of this Agreement, as described in Section 1.2, by referendum. In the event a referendum petition is timely filed
and accepted, Buyer shall provide written notice of acceptance to Seller at the time the petition is accepted. In such event, Buyer
agrees that it shall have no rights under this Agreement unless and until a resolution is approved by the voters of the City of Seward.
Based on the burden and delay inherent in a referendum, Buyer shall have the option of canceling this Agreement by providing
written notice to the City no later than thirty (30) days after the Referendum petition is approved, with the City returning Buyer's
Buyer's initials Date Buyer's initials Date Seller's initials Date Seller's initials Date
4820-7455-1540v3
97
Resolution 2025-096
Earnest Money and prompt reimbursement by Seller of all of Buyer's reasonable, third -party costs actually incurred by Buyer in
connection with the subdivision and replat, if a referendum petition is approved. Buyer shall not be entitled to any damages or other
relief against the Seller in the event the voters void the Council's resolution. If the resolution approving this Agreement is voided by
such referendum action, Buyer shall be entitled to terminate the Agreement by delivering a "Termination Notice" to Seller, the
Buyer's earnest money shall be returned to Buyer, and platting costs returned, within ten (10) days of the formal certification of the
referendum vote, and neither party shall have any further obligation hereunder.
[SIGNATURES ON NEXT PAGE]
Buyer's initials Date Buyer's initials Date Seller's initials Date Seller's initials Date
4820-7455-1540v3
98
Resolution 2025-096
BUYER'S OFFER of Agreement to Purchase and Earnest Money Receipt
Buyer is authorized to sign, understands that this is a legally binding document, and acknowledges and agrees to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement.
Date and Time: Buyer Signature:
Printed Legal Name:
Address:
Phone: Email:
Date and Time: Buyer Signature:
Printed Legal Name:
Address:
Phone: Email:
Seller's Acceptance of Agreement to Purchase and Earnest Money Receipt or Counter Offer
Seller is authorized to sign and understands that this is a legally binding document. Initial only one of the following:
Seller agrees to sell the Property on the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
Seller agrees to sell the Property, subject to the acceptance by Buyer and Seller of the attached Counter Offer which amends
certain terms and conditions of this Agreement.
(Note: Seller must initial and sign this Agreement and the attached Counter Offer for this Agreement and the counter offer to be
effective.)
Date and Time: Seller Signature:_
Printed Legal Name:
Address:
Phone: Email:
Date and Time: Seller Signature:
Printed Legal Name:
Address:
Phone: Email:
Buyer's initials Date Buyer's initials Date Seller's initials Date Seller's initials Date
4820-7455-1540v3
99
Resolution 2025-096
Exhibit A
Legal Description
LOT 2, JESSE LEE HEIGHTS SUBDIVISION ADDITION NO. 2, according to Plat No. 83-32, Seward
Recording District, Third Judicial District, State of Alaska.
Buyer's initials Date Buyer's initials Date Seller's initials Date Seller's initials Date
4820-7455-1540v3
100
Resolution 2025-096
INSPECTION ADDENDUM
This Inspection Addendum is incorporated and a part of the Parties' Agreement to Purchase and Earnest Money Receipt
("Agreement") dated:
SELLER: Cara 0senga
BUYER: The City of Seward
For the following property (the "Property"): 104 Benson Drive, Seward AK 99664
Closing is contingent on Buyer obtaining a satisfactory inspection of the Property during the Inspection Period. However, Closing is
not contingent on items of routine maintenance and/or a cosmetic nature and if Buyer fails to terminate the Agreement on or
before the expiration of the Inspection Period, then Buyer shall conclusively be deemed to have waived this inspection
contingency.
1. RIGHT TO INSPECT
Buyer will have 60 days (the "Inspection Period") after the Effective Date to have the Property inspected and complete all
due diligence. Buyer will pay for all inspections. Inspections may be done only by licensed professionals. Buyer may have any
inspections done that Buyer considers appropriate, such as: Phase I Environmental Survey, geotechnical, structural, foundation,
roof, flooring, HVAC system, electrical, plumbing, appliances, exterior, insulation, drainage, windows, well and septic systems,
paint, and radon. Buyer and Seller may be present during any inspections, and Buyer will give Seller reasonable advance notice of
the date and time of the inspection(s). Buyer may not do intrusive or invasive testing without Seller's written consent.
2. DUTIES OF BUYER AND SELLER
Buyer and Buyer's inspector may enter the Property to conduct inspections. Buyer will hold Seller and Licensee(s) harmless from all
liability associated with entering the Property and conducting inspections, including claims for injury or property damage. Buyer
will repair and restore any damage caused to the Property by the inspection, which does not include any remediation of any
deficiencies discovered as the result of the inspection. Seller will make the Property accessible for inspections, subject to
limitations of existing leases, if any, and will have utilities for the Property in service during inspections. Seller will provide access to
all areas of the Property, subject to limitations of existing leases, if any.
The indemnities of this Inspection Addendum shall survive the Closing or the termination of this Agreement. In the event that this
Agreement is terminated, other than as a result of a breach by Seller, Buyer shall provide a copy of all appraisals, inspection,
engineering and environmental reports it has received with respect to the Property to Seller at no charge.
3. INSPECTIONS AND SURVEY
All due diligence, inspections, environmental survey, hazardous material inspection reports, and City Council approval must be
completed within the Inspection Period defined above. If Buyer shall, for any reason or no reason, in Buyer's sole discretion, elect
not to purchase the Property, then Buyer shall be entitled to terminate the Agreement by delivering a "Termination Notice" to
Seller at or before 5:00 p.m. local time on the last day of the Inspection Period. If Buyer's written termination is timely made, then
the Earnest Money shall be returned to Buyer and thereafter neither Party shall have any further obligations or liabilities to the
other hereunder except for those that expressly survive termination of the Agreement. If Buyer fails to timely deliver the
Termination Notice, then, except as otherwise provided in the Agreement, the Earnest Money shall thereafter be non-refundable
(except for the willful refusal of Seller to close the sale of the Property), but shall be credited to the Purchase Price at Closing, and
Buyer's right to terminate the Agreement pursuant to this Inspection Addendum shall be of no further force or effect.
4. REPAIRS, CORRECTIONS AND MODIFICATIONS TO THE PROPERTY
If Buyer requests repairs, corrections or modifications, and is in compliance with the Agreement, Seller will have seven (7) days to
respond to Buyer's request, and (1) agree, (2) negotiate further, or (3) terminate the Agreement. If Seller does not timely respond
or, within five (5) days of Seller's response, Buyer and Seller are unable to reach an agreement regarding Buyer's proposed repairs,
corrections and modifications, and Buyer is in compliance with the Agreement, the Agreement will terminate, and the earnest
money will be refunded to Buyer.
5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
Buyer represents that Buyer is completing Buyer's own independent due diligence, inspections and investigations of the Property,
and of matters listed as Contingencies and Disclosures, in Paragraphs 3.3 and 6 of the Agreement, respectively, unless waived, and
Buyer's initials Date Buyer's initials Date Seller's initials Date Seller's initials Date
4820-7455-1540v3
101
Resolution 2025-096
that the decision to purchase is not based upon any representations or warranties of Seller or any Licensee(s) associated with the
Agreement, expressed or implied (which includes, but is not limited to the Property's square footage, septic system, latent defects,
plumbing, heating, electrical systems, fixtures, appliances, roof, sewer, soil conditions, foundation, structural conditions,
insulation, and compliance with state, federal and municipal law), but solely upon the independent investigations and inspections
of Buyer or Buyer's inspector.
Buyer represents and warrants that Buyer is choosing and hiring any and all inspectors, described in Paragraph 1 of this Inspection
Agreement, and the decision to hire an inspector is not based upon any representations or warranties of Seller or any Licensee(s)
associated with the Agreement, expressed or implied, but solely upon the independent due diligence, investigation, and evaluation
of Buyer.
Buyer's selection of qualified professional(s) is subject to Seller's approval prior to inspection. Such approval will not be
unreasonably withheld. Buyer requests approval of any of the following:
All other terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement remain in full force and effect.
Buyer, City of Seward Date and Time
Seller, Cara Osenga Date and Time
Buyer's initials Date Buyer's initials Date Seller's initials Date Seller's initials Date
4820-7455-1540v3
102
Resolution 2025-096
Assets
Cash to date 8/31/2025
Total Assets
Liabilities
Encumbrance to date 8/31/2025
Total Encumbered
Fund Balance/Net Assets
Unassigned Fund Balance to date 8/31/2025
Transfers -In
Transfers -Out
Total Fund Balance/Net Assets
Expenditures/Expenses
Expenses to date 8/31/25
Total Expenses
Estimated Total Fund Balance*
* Unaudited
The month of August has not been closed.
80010 - Capital Acquisition Fund - City
August 31 2025
8/31/2025
1,761,371
1,761,371
374,228
374,228
2,566,273
242,788
(737,400)
2,071,661
310,290
310,290
1,387,144
Uses for the Capital Acquisition Fund:
Resolutions
Res.2019-048 Lowell Point Stabiltation
Res.2019-085 Purchase of Communication Equipment
Res.2020-030 ADA Compliance Ramp and Parking City Hall
Res.2020-060 Implementation of SHI Microsoft
Res.2021 -102 Surplus Land 2109 Diamond BLVD
Res.2022-089 Sidewalks Project
Res.2022-098 Transfer from the GF to CAF - CAP
Res.2022-116 Hilltop DRP
Res.2022-122 Surplus Land 101 Railway Ave Parce114920016
Res.2023-002 / 2023-098 Surplus Land Lot 2A -1 Block 9 4JBC
Res.2023-099 Surplus Land 905 Sea Lion Ave
Res.2023-119 Surplus Land Sale L2 Bk 4JBC
Res.2024-045 Dispatch CAD Project
Res.2024-049 Fire Station Facility 15% Design
Res.2024-054 Transferring 50% of the General Fund surplus to the Capital Acquisition
Res.2025-029 R & M 15% design for the Police Pepartment.
Res.2025-048 Forest Acres Afognak Subdivision Improvement District- Funding
Res.2025-051 General Fund To the Capital Adquisition Fund - CAP
Res.2025-094 Transfer from the GF to CAF - CAP
Amounts
(225,750)
(538,000)
(80,663)
(74,388)
663,500
(350,000)
136,622
(1,425,000)
500,000
480,600
280,000
65,000
(215,789)
(318,330)
Fun 1,183,355
(297,994)
(737,400)
106,166
192,239
Prepar4J 3inance
RESOLUTION 2025-097
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, AUTHORIZING
AMENDMENT NO. 4 TO COOPERATIVE
AGREEMENT AND AN AMENDMENT TO THE
THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED
AGREEMENT FOR LEASE OF TRACT 2A,
WATERFRONT TRACTS AND THE LEASE,
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE
ALASKA SEALIFE CENTER
Documents:
• Agenda Statement
• Resolution 2025-097
• Attachments:
o Amendment to Co-op Agreement
o Amendment to Lease Agreement
104
City Council Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: October 13, 2025
To: City Council
Through: Kat Sorensen, City Manager
Subject: Resolution 2025-097: Authorizing Amendment No. 4 to Cooperative
Agreement and an Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated
Agreement for Lease of Tract 2a, Waterfront Tracts and the Lease,
Operation and Maintenance of the Alaska Sealife Center
Background and justification:
The City of Seward, the Seward Association for the Advancement of Marine Science (SAAMS),
and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) have been working together to amend the
Cooperative Agreement and the Lease Agreement to ensure that its provisions reflect the current
status and relationships between the entities.
The applicable agreements governing construction, operation, and management of facilities
owned by the City and operated by the SAAMS initially required the Alaska Department of Fish
and Game and Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee EVOS Trustee Council (EVOS) to oversee the City
of Seward and SAAMS in various ways to ensure that the facilities were constructed and operated
in the manner intended by EVOS.
EVOS, acknowledging the successful construction and operation of the facilities for decades,
adopted a resolution allowing the parties to revise the agreements governing the operation and
management of the facilities to remove the need for EVOS oversight or approval. The City,
SAAMS, and ADFG agree that operations, management, and ownership terms of the facility
should be between the City and SAAMS.
Under the current agreements, the City's ability to determine that the facilities cannot generate
revenues to cover operating expenses is still subject to verification by an independent financial
consultant selected or approved by ADFG, and if SAAMS and the City elect not to operate the
facility, ADFG has one year to enter and assume operations of the facility.
All three parties recognize that both of these provisions unnecessarily restrict the City's ownership
rights given the decades of successful ownership and management by the City and SAAMS.
Amending the agreements to remove ADFG as a party, and to remove its oversight and approval
role from the agreements, in no way reduces or increases the rights or obligations of the City or
SAAMS to one another. ADFG agrees to the amendment to the Cooperative Agreement, removing
it from the oversight role initially assigned to it.
105
Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information
This legislation is consistent with (citation listed):
Comprehensive Plan:
Strategic Plan:
Other:
Total amount of funds listed in this legislation:
This legislation (✓):
Creates revenue in the amount of:
Creates expenditure in amount of:
Creates a savings in the amount of:
Has no fiscal impact
Funds are (✓):
Budgeted Line item(s):
Not budgeted
Not applicable
Affected Fund (✓):
General
Boat Harbor
Motor Pool
Available Fund Balance
Yes
SMIC
Parking
Other
Electric
Water
$
Wastewater
Healthcare
Note: amounts are unaudited
Finance Director Signature:
Attorney Signature: /s/ Sam Severin
Not applicable Comments:
Administration Recommendation
X
Adopt Resolution
Other:
106
Sponsored by: Sorensen
Public Hearing: October 13, 2025
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2025-097
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, AUTHORIZING AMENDMENT NO. 4 TO COOPERATIVE
AGREEMENT AND AN AMENDMENT TO THE THIRD AMENDED AND
RESTATED AGREEMENT FOR LEASE OF TRACT 2A, WATERFRONT
TRACTS AND THE LEASE, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE
ALASKA SEALIFE CENTER
WHEREAS, the City, Seward Association for the Advancement of Marine Science
(SAAMS), and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) have been working together to
amend the Cooperative Agreement and the Lease Agreement to ensure that its provisions reflect the
current status and relationships between the entities; and
WHEREAS, the applicable agreements governing construction, operation, and management
of facilities owned by the City and operated by the SAAMS initially required the Alaska Department
of Fish and Game and Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee EVOS Trustee Council (EVOS) to oversee
the City of Seward and SAAMS in various ways to ensure that the facilities were constructed and
operated in the manner intended by EVOS; and
WHEREAS, on September 8, 2023 EVOS, acknowledging the successful construction and
operation of the facilities for decades, adopted a resolution allowing the parties to revise the
agreements governing the operation and management of the facilities to remove the need for EVOS
oversight or approval; and
WHEREAS, the City, SAAMS, and ADFG agree that operations, management, and
ownership terms of the facility should be between the City and SAAMS; and
WHEREAS, under the current agreements, the City's ability to determine that the facilities
are not capable of generating revenues to cover operating expenses is still subject to verification by
an independent financial consultant selected or approved by ADFG; and
WHEREAS, under the current agreements, if SAAMS and the City elect not to operate the
facility, ADFG has one year to enter and assume operations of the facility; and
WHEREAS, all three parties recognize that both of these provisions unnecessarily restrict
the City's ownership rights given the decades of successful ownership and management by the City
and SAAMS; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City to remove ADFG's oversight from the
agreement; and
107
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2025-097
WHEREAS, amending the agreements to remove ADFG as a party and to remove its
oversight and approval role from the agreements in no way reduces or increases the rights or
obligations of the City or SAAMS to one another; and
WHEREAS, ADFG agrees to the amendment to the Cooperative Agreement removing it
from the oversight role initially assigned to it.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEWARD, ALASKA, that:
Section 1. The City Manager is authorized to execute Amendment No. 4 to the Cooperative
agreement in a form substantially similar to the attached and is authorized to execute the amendment
to the Third Amended and Restated Agreement for Lease of Tract 2A, Waterfront Tracts and the
Lease, Operation and Maintenance of the Alaska Sealife Center between SAAMS and the City in a
form substantially similar the attached document.
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, this 13`h
day of October 2025.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ATTEST:
Kris Peck
City Clerk
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
Sue McClure, Mayor
108
AMENDMENT NO. 4 TO THE
COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT 95-045
Page 1 of 4
AMENDMENT NO. 4
to the
COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT
between the
State of Alaska
Department of Fish and Game
and the
City of Seward
for the construction, operation and maintenance of
research infrastructure improvement at the
Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, Alaska
THIS AMENDMENT NO. 4 ("Amendment") is made and entered into between the State
of Alaska, Department of Fish and Game, PO Box 25526, Juneau, Alaska 99802-5526
(hereinafter referred to as "ADF&G"), and the City of Seward, PO Box 167, Seward,
Alaska 99664 (hereinafter referred to as "City"), collectively referred to as the "Parties."
The Parties executed a Cooperative Agreement between ADF&G and City for the
Construction, Operation, and Maintenance of Research Infrastructure Improvements at
the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, Alaska, dated April 28, 1995, which was recorded
in Book 76, Page 788, of the records of the Seward Recording District, Third Judicial
District, State of Alaska, as amended by Amendment No. 1 providing for the FISH
PASS, revision of the PAYMENT PROCEDURES and revision of the DETAILED
BUDGET, as amended by Amendment No. 2 providing for purchase of research
equipment and restoration program exhibitry, and as amended by Amendment No. 3
eliminating the requirement that the United States, the Trustee Council, and the
Executive Director are named as additional loss payees (hereinafter with amendments
referred to as "Cooperative Agreement"),
NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:
I. AUTHORITY
The Authority of ADF&G to enter into this Amendment to the Cooperative Agreement is
AS 16.05.050(13), AS 36.30.850(c), and AS 37.14.400 et seq. The Parties are entering
into this Amendment pursuant to paragraph III.RR of the Cooperative Agreement.
109
AMENDMENT NO. 4 TO THE
COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT 95-045
Page 2 of 4
II. DEFINITIONS
The following shall, for all purposes of this Amendment, have the following meanings:
A. "Amended Cooperative Agreement" shall mean the Cooperative Agreement as
amended by this Amendment.
B. "Amendment" shall mean this Amendment No. 4 to the Cooperative Agreement.
C. General Definitions. All other capitalized terms in this Amendment shall have the
same meaning as set forth in the Cooperative Agreement.
III. PURPOSE OF AMENDMENT
The purpose of this Amendment is to remove the role, future obligations, rights and
responsibilities of ADF&G from the Cooperative Agreement.
IV. COVENANTS
ADF&G and City do hereby covenant and agree as follows:
A. The Cooperative Agreement is amended as follows. Removed language is
marked with strikethrough and added language marked as underlined.
1. Section III(U) shall be amended as follows:
City ownership. The City shall own, operate, and maintain the Project for the
practical life of the Facility.
1. Subject to (2) of this section, the practical life of the Facility shall
end upon the occurrence of both of the following (i) the City makes
a reasonable determination, as verified by an independent financial
Gens-u-l-tant-se-lecteel-of-ap-pfGved-lay-AID-F&G, that the Facility is not
capable of generating revenues sufficient to cover the operating
expenses and debt service of the Facility, plus fund sufficient
reserves for repairs and replacements in the Facility; and (ii) while
being operated in accordance with any recommendation from the
independent financial consultant and in accordance with terms and
conditions of the Agreement during the two-year period following
the City's determination, the Facility does not generate revenues
sufficient to cover the operating expenses and debt service of the
Facility. Plus fund sufficient reserves for repairs and replacements
in the Facility.
2. In no event shall the City be required to operate and maintain the
Facility after the earlier of (i) the date 50 years from the date of
110
AMENDMENT NO. 4 TO THE
COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT 95-045
Page 3 of 4
Final Acceptance, and (ii) any event causing damage to, or
destruction of, the Facility, where the cost of repairing or restoring
the Facility, net of any available reserves and insurance proceeds
not reduced for applicable deductibles and coinsurance, exceeds
ten percent of the replacement cost of the Facility.
2. Section III(V) shall be removed in its entirety.
3. Section III(X) shall be amended as follows:
Remedies Upon Breach by City. Whenever an event of default by the City shall
have occurred, and any applicable period for giving notice and any opportunity to
cure shall have expired, ADF&G shall have the following rights and remedies in
addition to any rights and remedies that may be available by law:
1. Declare this Agreement terminated.
2. Recover all monies previously paid to the City under this
Agreement that were not spent in accordance with the Agreement.
3. ADF&G shall havc the option to enter and assume the operation of
the Alaska Sealife Center including the Facility under paragraph
0
III.V. ADF&G shall exercise this option by written notice to the City
w ithin one year after the period for giving notice of the default and
any opportunity for curc shall have expired.
4. 2. Seek specific performance of any term or provision of this
Agreement.
4. Section III(Z) shall be removed in its entirety.
5. Section III(AA) shall be amended as follows:
Indemnification. The City shall indemnify the Statc and the EVOS Trustee
Council according to the provisions described in Appendix 8. Any references in
Appendix 8 to ADF&G taking over the facility are rendered meaningless as they
are inconsistent with the intent of this Amendment.
B. Except as set forth in this Amendment, all the provisions of the Cooperative
Agreement shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.
V. EFFECTIVE DATE
This Amendment shall be effective on the date the last signature to the Amendment is
certified.
111
STATE OF ALASKA
THIRD JUDICIAL DISTRICT
AMENDMENT NO. 4 TO THE
COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT 95-045
Page 4 of 4
STATE OF ALASKA
DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
By: Doug Vincent -Lang, Commissioner
Signed:
Date:
ss.
Subscribed and sworn to before me on , in , Alaska.
(date) (town)
(seal)
STATE OF ALASKA
THIRD JUDICIAL DISTRICT
Notary :
Notary for and in the State of Alaska
My commission expires
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
By: Kat Sorensen, City Manager
Signed:
Date:
ss.
Subscribed and sworn to before me on , in , Alaska.
(date) (town)
(seal)
Notary :
Notary for and in the State of Alaska
My commission expires
112
AMENDMENT TO LEASE - October 2025 Page 1 of 4
AMENDMENT
to the
THIRD AMENDMED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT FOR LEASE OF TRACT 2A,
WATERFRONT TRACTS AND THE LEASE, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF
THE ALASKA SEALIFE CENTER
between the
SEWARD ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF MARINE SCIENCE d/b/a
ALASKA SEALIFE CENTER
and the
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
THIS AMENDMENT ("Amendment") is made and entered into between the Seward
Association for the Advancement of Marine Science (hereinafter referred to as "SAAMS") and the
City of Seward, PO Box 167, Seward, Alaska 99664 (hereinafter referred to as "City"), collectively
referred to as the "Parties."
The City and SAAMS executed the Third Amended and Restated Agreement for Lease of
Tract 2A Waterfront Tracts and the Lease, Operation and Maintenance of the Alaska Sealife
Center ("Lease") on March 28, 2017.
NOW THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:
I. AUTHORITY
The Parties are entering into this Amendment under the authority granted in Section 10.11
of the Lease.
II. DEFINITIONS
The following shall, for all purposes of this Amendment, have the following meanings:
AMENDMENT TO LEASE
113
AMENDMENT TO LEASE - October 2025 Page 2 of 4
(a) "ADF&G" shall mean the State of Alaska, Department of Fish and Game.
(b) "Amendment" shall mean this Amendment to the Lease.
(c) General Definitions. All other capitalized terms in this Amendment shall have
the same meaning as set forth in the Lease.
III. PURPOSE OF AMENDMENT
The purpose of this Amendment is to remove the role, future obligations, rights and
responsibilities of ADF&G from the Lease.
IV. COVENANTS
SAAMS and City do hereby covenant and agree as follows:
A. ADF&G is removed as a party to the Lease.
B. The Lease is amended as follows. Removed language is marked with
strikethrough and added language marked as bold.
1. Section 1.1.18 "Indemnified Parties" is amended to remove reference to
ADF&G.
2. Section 3.13.4 Payment of Award is amended:
The Award shall be payable first, to ADF&G, to the extent rcquircd under thc Cooperative
Agreement, and second, to SAAMS; except that the City shall receive from the Award the amount
attributable to the value of the Site without Improvements.
3. Section 5.5 SAAMS Election Not to Operate the Improvements is amended:
SAAMS shall notify the City if SAAMS elects not to operate the Improvements, either because
the Improvements have reached the end of their practical life as defined in Subsection 3.1.1, or if
for any other reason permitted under this Agreement, SAAMS elects not to operate the
Improvements. The City shall provide the same notice to ADF&G under thc Cooperative
Agreement within thirty (30) business days after receiving the notice from SAAMS. If the City
Improvements as defined in Subsection 1.1.25. SAAMS shall maintain an amount equal to the
AMENDMENT TO LEASE
114
AMENDMENT TO LEASE - October 2025 Page 3 of 4
Termination Fund Requirement in a special fund dedicated to pay the cost of performing this
obligation. SAAMS may access up to $700,000 annually from the Termination Fund between
October 1 and September 29, but shall provide evidence to the City that on September 30 that
this fund is fully replenished. Nothing in this subsection is intended to limit SAAMS' responsibility
if the costs exceed the amount in the special fund. Any amount remaining in the fund at the end
of the one year period shall be released to the party that has assumed the operation of the
I mprovements.
4. Section 6.1 is amended to read:
For so long as the Cooperative Agreement requires the City to insure the Site or Improvements,
the minimum insurance for the Site and Improvements shall be that required of the City under the
Cooperative Agreement; provided that such insurance requirements may be modified as provided
in this Section 6.1. If one or more of the required insurance coverages are not available under
reasonable terms and conditions, SAAMS shall, under the guidance and direction of the State of
Alaska, Division of Risk Management, use its best efforts to obtain reasonably equivalent
coverage acceptable to ADF&G the City. If, after utilizing its best efforts, SAAMS is unable to
obtain adequate insurance at a cost effective rate as reasonably determined by SAAMS, SAAMS
may request a waiver of the relevant insurance requirement. The request shall outline the steps
taken by SAAMS to obtain such insurance and shall disclose quotations received for coverage.
Upon the written determination of the State of Alaska, Division of Risk Management that a
reasonable basis exists to believe that a waivcr of such insurance will not materially affect the
State's risk with regard to the Improvements or any activities in, on, or around the Improvements,
and approval of the requested waivcr by ADF&G, the City will approve the requested waiver.
5. Section 6.3 is amended to read:
All insurance policies shall provide for thirty (30) days' notice to the City and ADF&G of
cancellation and/or material change in policy terms.
6. Section 6.4 is amended to read:
The City and Indemnified Parties shall be named as additional insureds under all insurance
policies maintained by SAAMS as required under Section 6.1, or SAAMS shall obtain an
appropriate waiver of subrogation in favor of the City and the Indemnified Parties with respect to
all insurance policies to effect the same purpose. The City, shall be
named under casualty insurance required under Section 6.1 as loss payees on any property loss
settlement. The City shall be named as an additional insured under all policies maintained by
SAAMS as required under Section 6.2, or SAAMS shall obtain an appropriate waiver of
subrogation in favor of the City with respect to all insurance policies to effect the same purpose.
The City shall be named under casualty insurance required under Section 6.2 as loss payee on
any property loss settlement.
AMENDMENT TO LEASE
115
AMENDMENT TO LEASE - October 2025 Page 4 of 4
C. Except as set forth in this Amendment, all of the provisions of the Lease shall
remain unchanged and in full force and effect.
EFFECTIVE DATE
This Amendment shall be effective on the date the last signature to the Amendment is
certified.
SAAMS CITY OF SEWARD
By: By:
Its: It:
Date Date
AMENDMENT TO LEASE
116
RESOLUTION 2025-098
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, APPROVING THE
BARGAINING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
CITY OF SEWARD AND THE SEWARD PUBLIC
EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION, COVERING TERMS
AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT FOR ALL
MEMBERS OF THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
UNIT, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2026, AND
ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2028
Documents:
• Agenda Statement
• Resolution 2025-098
• Attachments:
o Summary of Changes
o Draft Bargaining Agreement
117
City Council Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: October 13, 2025
To: City Council
Through: Kat Sorensen, City Manager
Subject: Resolution 2025-098: Approving the Bargaining Agreement Between the
City of Seward and the Seward Public Employees Association,
Covering Terms and Conditions of Employment for All Members of the
Collective Bargaining Unit, Effective January 1, 2026 and Ending
December 31, 2028
Background and justification:
The collective bargaining agreement between the City of Seward and the Seward Public
Employees Association (SPEA) expires on December 31, 2025. SPEA represents all employees
included in the collective bargaining unit.
This contract constitutes the fourth collective bargaining agreement with the City of Seward. The
intent is to provide for a fair and equitable term and conditions of employment for all members of
the bargaining unit.
On January 1, 2026, employees will receive a 3% (COLA) cost of living increase. On January 1,
2027, employees will receive a (COLA) cost of living increase based on the U.S. Department of
Labor Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for Urban Alaska for calendar
(January — December) year 2026 (Annual average) plus 0.5% but shall not be less than 2.5% or
exceed 5%. On January 1, 2028, employees will receive a (COLA) cost of living increase based
on the CPI-U plus 0.5% but shall not be less than 2.5% and shall not exceed 5%.
Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information
This legislation is consistent with (citation listed):
Comprehensive Plan:
Strategic Plan:
Other:
Total amount of funds listed in this legislation:
This legislation (V):
Creates revenue in the amount of:
Creates expenditure in amount of:
Creates a savings in the amount of:
Has no fiscal impact
Funds are (✓):
Budgeted Line item(s):
118
Not budgeted
Not applicable
Affected Fund (✓):
General
Boat Harbor
Motor Pool
Available Fund Balance
SMIC
Parking
Other
Electric
Water
Wastewater
Healthcare
Note: amounts are unaudited
Finance Director Signature:
S41-9"zne
Attorney Review
Yes
Attorney Signature:
Not applicable Comments:
Administration Recommendation
X
Adopt Resolution
Other:
119
Sponsored by: Sorensen
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2025-098
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, APPROVING THE BARGAINING AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE CITY OF SEWARD AND THE SEWARD PUBLIC EMPLOYEES
ASSOCIATION, COVERING TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF
EMPLOYMENT FOR ALL MEMBERS OF THE COLLECTIVE
BARGAINING UNIT, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2026, AND ENDING
DECEMBER 31, 2028
WHEREAS, the current contract between the City of Seward and the Seward Public
Employees Association (SPEA), as approved by Resolution 2022-080, will expire on December
31, 2025; and
WHEREAS, negotiation teams for the City of Seward and SPEA met to negotiate a three-
year contract for the period of January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028; and
WHEREAS, on September 17, 2025, voting closed for SPEA members to approve the
proposed bargaining agreement; and
WHEREAS, SPEA voted to approve the proposed bargaining agreement attached to this
contract for ratification.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEWARD, ALASKA, that:
Section 1. The City Manager is hereby authorized to enter into a bargaining agreement
with the Seward Public Employees Association for the period of January 1, 2025 — December 31,
2028, in substantially the form as attached herein.
Section 2. This contract shall go into effect on January 1, 2023.
Section 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska this 13th
day of October 2025.
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
Sue McClure, Mayor
120
Resolution 2025-098
Seward Public Employees Association
Loca16585
2026-2028 Collective Bargaining Agreement TA
City of Seward and the Seward Public Employees Association
Article by Article Summary
ARTICLE 1- PREAMBLE & PURPOSE:
No Change
ARTICLE 2 - RECOGNITION AND MANAGEMENT RIGHTS
2.1 Union Recognition & Rights
2.2 Excluded Positions
2.3 Purpose of Bargaining
2.4 PERA/ALRA
2.5 Management Rights
2.6 Contracting Work
2.7 Labor Management Committee
MODIFIED to strike appendix listing job positions by title, and
including all regular city employees, except those listed in 2.2.
as part of the bargaining unit. Strikes opt -out language.
Recognizes APEA-AFT as an agent for SPEA for clarity.
(1) MODIFIED to accurately reflect Department head titles and
other personnel excluded from the bargaining unit, including
employees represented by IBEW. Street Foreman and Executive
Assistant to the Police Chief are no longer excluded positions
and now represented by the bargaining unit.
No Change
No Change
No Change
No Change
NEW SECTION establishing a Labor Management Committee
comprised of SPEA and City of Seward representatives to
facilitate ongoing communication on items of mutual interest
and to promote a climate conducive to constructive employee
relations. Allows for dialogue and problem solving and
appropriate contract implementation and administration.
121
Resolution 2025-098
ARTICLE 3 - UNION MEMBERSHIP AND DUES
3.1 Membership Rcquircmcnts
STRIKES timelines and limitations on the ability to
join the Union.
MODIFIED title and verbiage to be consistent with
state and federal law in that the City shall not
interfere with matters between the Union and the
employee and covered employees shall be
represented exclusively by SPEA. Permits employees
to join the Union at any time.
3.2 Dues / Fees No Change
3.3 Payroll Deductions No Change
3.4 Union and Employee Responsibility No Change
3.5 Union Representation and Activities No Change
3.6 Union Leave and Leave Bank No Change
3.7 Meeting Space No Change
3.8 Bulletin Boards No Change
ARTICLE 4 - JOB CLASSIFICATION, JOB DESCRIPTION & PAY PLAN
4.1 Classification Rights and Duty No Change
4.2 Job Descriptions No Change
4.3 Duties of Employees No Change
4.4 Qualifications Statements No Change
4.5 Job Titles No Change
4.6 Review of Job Classification and Job Classes No Change
4.7 Wage Schedule MODIFIES to reflect the Salary Schedule is posted
in Appendix A
ARTICLE 5 - PERSONNEL ACTIONS
5.1 Personnel Actions No Change
5.2 Definitions MODIFIED to accurately reflect Department head titles
5.3 Job Announcements No Change
122
Resolution 2025-098
5.4 Types of Appointments
MODIFIED to incorporate notifications to the Union by
the City for non -regular appointments, aligns
temporary appointment service with City Code so that
consecutive nine -month appointments cannot be
served without a break (one pay period off) and allows
for termination of a temporary appointment if a
full-time employee becomes available, and clarifies that
an acting appointment/temporary assignment may
occur when an appointed individual or Department
Head is out of state.
5.5 Promotion No Change
5.6 Transfers No Change
ARTICLE 6 - PROBATIONARY PERIODS
6.1 Newly Hired Positions
6.2 Probationary Period after Promotion
6.3 Probationary Period after Demotion
6.4 Discipline or Separation During Probationary
Period
No Change
No Change
No Change
No Change
ARTICLE 7 - PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS & PERSONNEL FILES
7.1 Performance Evaluations No Change
7.2 Periods of Evaluations No Change
7.3 The Evaluation Process No Change
7.4 Personnel Files MODIFIES to include a provision allowing the Union to
be present at an Employee's exit interview upon
written request to the Human Resources Manager and
with the written authorization of the employee.
ARTICLE 8 - DISCIPLINE & DISCHARGE
8.1 General Policy No Change
8.2 Disciplinary Action Procedures No Change
8.3 Right to Union Representation During Investigative No Change
Interview
8.4 Just Cause No Change
123
Resolution 2025-098
8.5 Garrity Rights for Licensed Personnel of the Police No Change
Department
ARTICLE 9 - GRIEVANCE & ARBITRATION PROCEDURE
9.1 Definition of Grievance No Change
9.2 Procedural Steps No Change
9.3 Time Limitations No Change
9.4 Extension of Time Limits No Change
9.5 Appeal to Arbitration No Change
9.6 Selection of Arbitrator No Change
9.7 Arbitrator's Jurisdiction No Change
9.8 Fees and Expenses of Arbitration No Change
9.9 Extension of Time Frames No Change
9.10 Delivery of Grievance and Responses STRIKES and REPLACES delivery of grievance and response
language to clearly state that they shall be delivered by
electronic communication, rather than hand delivery or
by -mail.
9.11 Sole and Exclusive Nature of Grievance Process No Change
ARTICLE 10 - SEPARATION/SENIORITY/LAYOFF
10.1 Actions that Constitute Separation from City Service No change
10.2 Resignations No Change
10.3 Medical Separation No Change
10.4 Dismissal for Just Cause No Change
10.5 Seniority No Change
10.6 Layoffs No Change
10.7 Dismissal Notice or Severance Pay No Change
10.8 Separation Paperwork No Change
ARTICLE 11- PAY and PAYROLL
124
Resolution 2025-098
11.1 Wage Schedule and Pay Rates
11.2 Starting Rate on Initial Employment
11.3 Rate of Pay on Promotion
MODIFIED to reflect wage increases - Year 1: + 3%, Year 2 &
3: + CPI-U + .5%, not to be less than 2.5% and not to be
greater than 5%
STRIKES & REPLACES current language to be clear that
entrance pay rate shall be at Step A, with exceptions for
higher appointments by Department Heads, with the
approval of the City Manager, to appoint above that pay
rate if a candidate that demonstrate experience, skills,
and/or education beyond the minimum approved
requirements.
MODIFIES(2) to a one-step increase in pay (instead of 5%
increase) upon completion of approved training, limited to
once per year and that City Administration (not a Dept
Head) shall compile and maintain a list of valid training and
certifications w/the Union to be available to all positions.
11.4 Rate of Pay for a Reclassification on a position No Change
11.5 Upward or Downward Range Change of a Job No Change
Class
11.6 Promotion Following Demotion in Lieu of Layoff No Change
11.7 Transfers No Change
11.8 Demotions No Change
11.9 Completion of Probation MODIFIES section so that all employees receive a step
increase after completion of probation, instead of just
those hired below a Step B. This was already in effect per a
letter of agreement between SPEA and the City.
11.10 Annual Step Increase MODIFIES section to say 180-days instead of six -months for
consistency. No substantive change
11.11 Acting Appointments No Change
11.12 Field Training/School Resource Officer No Change
11.13 Overtime No Change
11.14 Call -Out Pay No Change
11.15 Stand -By Pay No Change
11.16 Stand -By Pay for Police Officers No Change
125
Resolution 2025-098
11.17 Shift Differential
11.18 Payroll and Pay Periods
11.19 Longevity Steps
ARTICLE 12 - HOURS OF WORK
12.1 Hours of Work and Schedules
12.2 Temporary Schedules
12.3 Lunch / Break Period
12.4 Change of Permanent Schedules
ARTICLE 13 - HOLIDAYS
13.1 Recognized Holidays with Pay
13.2 Holiday Falling on a Regular Day
Off
13.3 Computation of Holiday Pay
13.4 Forfeiture of Holiday Pay
ARTICLE 14 - PAID TIME OFF/LEAVE
14.1 Paid Time Off (PTO)
14.2 Leave Accrual Rate
14.3 Leave Anniversary Date
No Change
No Change
NEW SECTION making current longevity steps part of the
contract, as currently agreed on by SPEA and the City in a
Letter of Agreement. An employee enters longevity upon
receiving a merit increase that places them at a Step P in
their respective range and upon two years and two
consecutive evals of "satisfactory" or higher will move to
the next step. 2% between each step.
No Change
No Change
No Change
No Change
STRIKES "except for Firefighters" per Letter Of
Agreement #3 2023 so that these first
responders also receive holidays.
ADDs Floating Holiday to contract per Letter of
Agreement A #4 2023, also in city code.
No Change
No Change
No Change
MODIFIES section to allow probationary
employees to take leave, if approved prior to
hire by the Dept. Head per Letter of Agreement
#4 2024.
No Change
No Change
126
Resolution 2025-098
14.4 Maximum Accrual
14.5 Payment of PTO upon
Termination
14.6 PTO Leave Cash -Out
14.7 Donated Leave
14.8 Military Leave
14.9 Worker's Compensation
14.10 Jury Duty
14.11 Leave Without Pay
14.12 Family and/or Medical Leave of
Absence
14.13 Bereavement Leave
14.14 Definition of Immediate Family
ARTICLE 15 - WORK RULES
15.1 Work Rules
15.2 Protection of Rights
15.3 Non -Discrimination
15.4 Employee Indemnification
15.5 No Polygraph or Lie Detector
15.6 Outside Employment
15.7 Unlawful Acts Prohibited
15.8 Gifts and Gratuities
15.9 Employment of Relatives
15.10 Political Activity
No Change
No Change
No Change
MODIFIES language to incorporate existing
procedures for use of and soliciting donated
leave as agreed to in 2024 per Letter of
Agreement #8.
No Change
No Change
No Change
No Change
No Change
No Change
No Change
No Change
No Change
No Change
No Change
No Change
No Change
No Change
No Change
No Change
No Change
127
Resolution 2025-098
ARTICLE 16 - SAFETY
16.1 Safety Rules
16.2 Drug Testing
16.3 Safety Devices and Uniforms
ARTICLE 17 - BENEFITS
17.1 Health Insurance
17.2 Health Insurance Renewal or
Replacement
17.3 Annual Retention Bonus
17.4 Retirement
17.5 Training / Professional
Development
No Change
No Change
No Change
No Change
MODIFIED - Inserts language that the parties
agree to discuss healthcare and health insurance
renewal through the new Labor Management
Committee (LMC), the LMC shall have access to
analyses of the current plan, administration,
claims payment and benefit plan, and that the
LMC may make recommended changes to the
City Manager by a majority vote relating to
health care. Modifies section c so that the LMC
shall be provided copies of renewal proposals
and review options with the city manager.
MODIFIED existing bonus provision in
years 5-25+ for additional amounts,
sustains 1.5% bonus for years 1-4.
Years 5-9: 2% of base salary annually for
2.5% more over 5 years.
Years 10-14: 2.5% of base salary annually
for 5% more over 5 years.
Years 15-20: 3% of base salary annually for
7.5% more over 5 years.
Years 20 -24: 3.5% of base salary annually
for 10% more over 5 years.
Years 25+: 4% of base salary annually for
12.5% more over 5 years.
No Change
No Change
128
Resolution 2025-098
(NEW) ARTICLE 18 - LEGAL TRUST FUND FOR BARGAINING UNIT POSITIONS
18.1
This new benefit is at zero cost to
employees. Employees covered by the
Collective Bargaining Unit Agreement will
have access to legal services up to $2,700
per year for family and other matters (real
estate transactions, wills, etc.).
ARTICLE 19 - STRIKE/LOCKOUT/WORK STOPPAGE/PICKET LINE
*Renumbered to 19 from 18
19.1 Strike / Lockout
19.2 Picket Line
ARTICLE 20 - GENERAL PROVISIONS
*Renumbered to 20 from 19
20.1 Duration
20.2 Separability
20.3 Waiver of Bargaining Rights and Amendments of
Agreement
20.4 Change of Agreement
Appendix A
Appendix B
Section Renumbered. No other change.
Section renumbered. No other Change.
Section renumbered and duration of agreement updated
to Jan. 1, 2026 - Dec. 31, 2028
Section renumbered.
Section renumbered.
Section renumbered.
No other change.
No other change.
No other change.
STRIKE and replace with new Salary Schedule for 2026.
Positions eligible for Union Representation include all
City employees now in Article 2(1) except for those
specifically excluded in Article 2(2)
STRIKE. Salary Schedules moved to Appendix A.
129
Resolution 2025-098
BARGAINING AGREEMENT
Between the
CITY OF SEWARD
Seward, Alaska
And the
ALASKA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
Representing the
SEWARD PUBLIC EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
January 1, 202 — December 31, 202
130
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
Contents
ARTICLE 1 - PREAMBLE AND PURPOSE 6
ARTICLE 2 - RECOGNITION AND MANAGEMENT RIGHTS 6
2.1 Recognition & Rights 6
2.2 Excluded Positions 6
2.3 Purpose of Bargaining 7
2.4 Alaska Labor Relations Agency (ALRA) 7
2.5 Management Rights 8
2.6 Contracting Work 8
262.7 Labor Management Committee
ARTICLE 3 - UNION MEMBERSHIP AND DUES 9
3.1 Membership Requirements 9
3.2 Dues/Fees 9
3.3 Payroll Deductions 10
3.4 Union and Employee Responsibility 10
3.5 Union Representatives and Activities 10
3.6 Union Leave and Leave Bank 11
3.7 Meeting Space 12
3.8 Bulletin Board 12
ARTICLE 4 - JOB CLASSIFICATION, JOB DESCRIPTIONS & PAY PLAN 13
4.1 Classification Rights and Duty 13
4.2 Job Descriptions 13
4.3 Duties of Employees 13
4.4 Qualifications Statements 14
4.5 Job Titles 14
4.6 Review of Job Classifications and Job Classes 14
4.7 Wage Schedule 15
ARTICLE 5 - PERSONNEL ACTIONS 15
5.1 Personnel Actions 15
5.2 Definitions 15
5.3 Job Announcements 16
5.4 Types of Appointments 16
5.5 Promotion 18
5.6 Transfers 18
ARTICLE 6 - PROBATIONARY PERIODS 19
1
131
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
6.1 Newly Hired Positions 19
6.2 Probationary Period after Promotion 19
6.3 Probationary Period after Demotion 20
6.4 Discipline or Separation During Probationary Period 20
ARTICLE 7 - PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS & PERSONNEL FILES 20
7.1 Performance Evaluations 20
7.2 Periods of Evaluations 20
7.3 The Evaluation Process 21
7.4 Personnel Files 22
ARTICLE 8 - DISCIPLINE AND DISCHARGE 22
8.1 General Policy 22
8.2 Disciplinary Action Procedure 22
8.3 Right to Union Representative During Investigative Interview 23
8.4 Just Cause 24
8.5 Garrity Rights for Licensed Personnel of Police Department 25
ARTICLE 9 - GRIEVANCE AND ARBITRATION PROCEDURES 25
9.1 Definition of Grievance 26
9.2 Procedural Steps 26
9.3 Time Limitations 27
9.4 Extension of Time Limits 27
9.5 Appeal to Arbitration 28
9.6 Selection of Arbitrator 28
9.7 Arbitrator's Jurisdiction 28
9.8 Fees and Expenses of Arbitration 28
9.9 Extension of Time Frames 28
9.10 Delivery of Grievances and Responses 28
9.11 Sole and Exclusive Nature of Grievance Procedure 29
ARTICLE 10 - SEPARATION/SENIORITY/LAYOFF 29
10.1 Actions That Constitute Separation from City Service 29
10.2 Resignations 29
10.3 Medical Separation 30
10.4 Dismissal for Just Cause 30
10.5 Seniority 30
10.6 Layoffs 31
10.7 Dismissal Notice or Severance Pay 32
2
132
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
10.8 Separation Paperwork 32
ARTICLE 11 - PAY AND PAYROLL 32
11.1 Wage Schedule and Pay Rates 32
11.2 Starting Rate on Initial Employment 33
11.3 Rate of Pay on Promotion 33
11.4 Rate of Pay for a Reclassification of a Position 34
11.5 Upward or Downward Range Change of a Job Class 34
11.6 Promotion Following Demotion In lieu of Layoff 34
11.7 Transfers 34
11.8 Demotion 34
11.9 Completion of Probation 34
11.10 Annual Step Increase 35
11.11 Acting Appointments 35
11.12 Field Training/School Resource Officer 36
11.13 Overtime 36
11.14 Call -Out Pay 36
11.15 Stand -By Pay 36
11.16 Stand -By Pay for Police Officers 37
11.17 Shift Differential 37
11.18 Payroll and Pay Periods 37
11.19 Longevity Steps 37
ARTICLE 12 - HOURS OF WORK 37
12.1 Hours of Work and Scheduling 38
12.2 Temporary Schedules 39
12.3 Lunch/Break Period 39
12.4 Changes of Permanent Schedules 40
ARTICLE 13 - HOLIDAYS 40
13.1. Recognized Holidays with Pay 40
13.2 Holiday Falling on a Regular Day Off 40
13.3 Computation of Holiday Pay 41
13.4 Forfeiture of Holiday Pay 41
ARTICLE 14 - PAID TIME OFF/LEAVE 42
14.1 Paid Time Off ("PTO") 42
14.2 Leave Accrual Rate 42
14.3 Leave Anniversary Date 43
3
133
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
14.4 Maximum Accrual 43
14.5 Payment of PTO upon Termination 44
14.6 PTO Leave Cash -Out 44
14.7 Donated Leave 44
14.8 Military Leave 44
14.9 Worker's Compensation 45
14.10 Jury Duty / Court Leave 45
14.11 Leave Without Pay 46
14.12 Family and/or Medical Leave of Absence 46
14.13 Bereavement Leave 46
14.14 Definition of "Immediate Family" 46
ARTICLE 15 - WORK RULES 46
15.1 Work Rules 47
15.2 Protection of Rights 47
15.3 Non -Discrimination 58
15.4 Employee Indemnification 59
15.5 No Poly of Lie Detector 59
15.6 Outside Employment 59
15.7 Unlawful Acts Prohibited 59
15.8 Gifts and Gratuities 60
15.9 Employment of Relatives 60
15.10 Political Activities 60
ARTICLE 16 - SAFETY 50
16.1 Safety Rules 50
16.2 Drug Testing 50
16.3 Safety Devices and Uniforms 50
ARTICLE 17 - BENEFITS 51
17.1 Health Insurance 51
17.2 Health Insurance Renewal or Replacement 51
17.3 Annual Retention Bonus 51
17.4 Retirement 51
17.5 Training/Professional Development 52
ARTICLE 18 — LEGAL TRUST FUND
ARTICLE 198 - STRIKE/LOCKOUT/WORKSTOPPAGE/PICKET LINE 52
19.1 Strike/Lockout 52
4
134
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
19.2 Picket Lines 52
ARTICLE 204-9- GENERAL PROVISIONS 52
20.1 Duration 52
20.2 Severability 53
20.3 Waiver of Bargaining Rights and Amendments to Agreement 53
20.4 Changes to Agreement 53
Appendix A 54
5
135
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
ARTICLE 1- PREAMBLE AND PURPOSE
This Agreement is made and entered into between the City of Seward, hereinafter referred to as
the "City," and the Seward Public Employees Association, referred to as the "Union."
The purpose of this Agreement is to set forth the terms and conditions of employment with the
City and to promote orderly and peaceful labor relations.
The parties recognize that the interests of the community and the job security of the Employees
depend upon the City's success in establishing proper and cost-efficient service to the
community. To these ends, the City and the Union encourage, to the fullest degree, friendly and
cooperative relations between their respective representatives at all levels and among all
Employees.
The parties also agree that it is their mutual intent to maintain and strengthen the merit
principles in the bargaining unit.
ARTICLE 2 - RECOGNITION AND MANAGEMENT RIGHTS
2.1 Recognition & Rights
The City recognizes the Union as the sole bargaining agent for and exclusive representative of
all regular City employees, except those listed in 2.2, those Employees whose job
classifications arc set out in Appendix A to this Agreement and have not elected to opt out of
representation for collective bargaining with respect to salaries, wages, hours, and other terms
and conditions of employment. The City shall not negotiate, confer, or handle grievances with
any Employee organization other than the Union or its designee on matters concerning unit
members of the Seward Public Employees Association (SPEA). SPEA contracts with the Alaska
Public Employees Association (APEA/AFT) for services and has authority to administer the
contract and acts as SPEA's agent.
A current list of those job classifications covered and not covered by this Agreement will be
updated and maintained as necessary by Human Resources.
2.2 Excluded Positions
1. This Agreement excludes from the bargaining unit and does not include any
Employee who has exercised their right to be governed by the City and the
following positionsclassifications:
Assistant City Manager,Deputy City Manager, Executive Assistant to the City
Manager, Finance Director, Deputy Finance Director, IT Manager,
DcputyDirector, Deputy City Clerk, Human Resource- ManagerOfficcr, Community
Development Director, Community Development Planner, Police Chief, Deputy Chief_
6
136
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
of Police, Police Executive Assistant, Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, Public Works
Director, Street Foreman, Parks and Recreation Director, Park and Campground
Operations SupervisorRecreation Deputy Director, Library & Museum Director,
Library & Museum and Museum Program CoordinatorDeputy Director,
Harbormaster, Deputy Harbormaster.
Electric Director, Electric Operations Supervisor, Field Engineer, Lineman, and
Plant Operator.
2. If SPEA deems an excluded position should be included in SPEA, a Unit
Clarification Petition will be submitted to the Alaska Labor Relations Agency
(ALRA).
2.3 Purpose of Bargaining
The City and the Union now enter into an Agreement reached through collective bargaining
which will have the following purposes:
1. To promote fair, reasonable, consistent, and safe working conditions.
2. To recognize the legitimate, reasonable employment -related interests of the
Union to participate through collective bargaining in the determination of the
terms and conditions of Employees' employment with the City.
3. To promote harmonious relations between the City and the Union.
4. To promote individual efficiency in service to the citizens of the City of Seward.
5. To avoid any interference with efficient and safe operation of the City of Seward.
6. To provide a basis for the adjustment of any matter of mutual interest by means
of amicable discussion.
7. To contribute to the continuation of good Employee relations and to be in all
respects in the best public interest.
2.4 Alaska Labor Relations Agency (ALRA)
Both parties recognize that the Alaska Labor Relations Agency (ALRA) retains its authority to
determine bargaining unit assignments. New positions and/or classifications created by the
Employer shall be placed in the appropriate bargaining unit consistent with prior ALRA rulings.
The SPEA shall be notified of all new job classifications created, or revisions to existing
classifications, within ten (10) working days of such action. The notification shall include a copy
of the job class specifications. Notification shall be via email and job class specification shall be
attached.
7
137
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
No filled position shall be removed from this bargaining unit without written notification to
SPEA. If SPEA does not file a written petition with the ALRA challenging the proposed bargaining
unit change within fifteen (15) working days of receipt of the notice to SPEA, the Employer is
free to take the proposed action.
No filled position shall be changed to exempt or partially exempt status without at least thirty
(30) calendar days' notice to SPEA prior to submitting the request to ALRA. Concurrent with the
notice, the Employer shall provide a written explanation of the transfer request to SPEA.
2.5 Management Rights
It is recognized that the Employer retains the right, except otherwise expressly provided in this
Agreement, to manage the affairs of the City of Seward and to direct its workforce. Such
functions of the Employer include, but are not limited to the following:
1. Determine the overall mission and purpose of the City.
2. Determining the services to be rendered, the operations to be performed, the
technology to be utilized, or the matters to be budgeted and the priorities therefor.
3. Determine the overall methods, processes, means, job classification and descriptions,
work schedules, work assignments, and personnel by which the work of the City is to be
conducted.
4. Direct, supervise, hire, recruit, select, promote, train, evaluate, transfer within a job
classification, assign, and schedule Employees.
5. Discipline Employees for just cause.
6. Lay off Employees from duties because of lack of work or funds or under conditions where
the City determines that continued work would be inefficient or nonproductive.
7. Establish reasonable work rules, assign the hours of work, and assign Employees to shifts
of its designation.
8. Adopt policies, regulations, educational programs, safety programs, and any other
measurers, not in conflict with this Agreement, necessary to assure the efficient and
effective operations of the City.
9. Contract out work if no Employee covered by this Agreement will be laid off or have their
hours of work cut.
8
138
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
10. Develop and/or modify job descriptions.
2.6 Contracting Work
It is the general policy of the City to continue to utilize its Employees to perform the work they
are qualified to perform. However, the City reserves the right to contract out any work it deems
necessary, in the interest of efficiency, improved work product, economy, or emergency, as long
as no Employee covered by this Agreement will be laid off or have their hours of work cut.
2.7 Labor Management Committee
To facilitate communication between the parties and to promote a climate conducive to constructive
employee relations, a joint Labor -Management Committee will be established to discuss matters of mutual
interest.
The Labor Management Committee shall meet at least once a quarter to discuss items of mutual interest
pertaining to this agreement or impacting bargaining unit members. Additional meetings may be called
through meeting requests. The Union will submit all meeting requests to the City Manager and the City will
submit all responses or requests to the APEA/AFT Representative and President of the Union. Both parties
agree to respond in good faith to requests to convene a meeting of the Labor Management committee
within five (5) business days receiving such a request.
Committee size will be determined by mutually agreed -upon arrangements at the appropriate level and
shall include an equal number of Union appointees and City appointees and shall be chaired by the City
Manager or their designee.
Approved time spent in meetings (including actual and necessary travel time) will neither be charged to
leave credits nor considered as overtime worked. Management will make every effort to reschedule shift
assignments or days off so that meetings fall during working hours of the Union members. Labor -
Management committee meetings will be conducted in good faith.
The committee shall have no authority to contravene any provisions of this agreement, nor enter into any
agreements binding the parties. Matters requiring a Letter of Agreement shall not be implemented until a
signed Letter of Agreement has been approved by the designated City representative(s) and designated
SPEA Negotiators.
ARTICLE 3 - UNION MEMBERSHIP AND DUES
3.1 Membership Rce u•rcmcnts
Any eligible Employee who is or becomes a member of thc Union during the life of this
Agreement shall remain a member during thc term of thc Agreement, except that such
individual may withdraw from membership upon serving thirty (30) calendar days written
notice to the Union and Employer. Any employee who later decides to join thc Union may only
9
139
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
opt out during either the thirty (30) calendar day period immediately preceding the annual
anniversary date or the scheduled termination date of this Agreement, or the thirty (30)
calendar day period immediately preceding the anniversary date of the individual's most recent
official Membership Application and Dues Deduction Authorization form(s). No employee may
join the Union while subject to an active disciplinary investigation or has a reasonable belief
that a disciplinary investigation is imminent; during the grievance process; or for the purpose of
filing a grievance.
The City will not in any manner, directly or indirectly, attempt to interfere with matters
between any of its employees and the Union. It will not in any manner restrain, or attempt to
restrain, any employee from belonging to the Union or from taking an active part in the Union.
The City will not discriminate or retaliate a ag inst any employee because of their Union
membership, including but not limited to the filing of a grievance or providing evidence or
testimony in arbitration or other hearing.
The City will provide the name, personal email, personal phone number, address, and job title
of a new eligible Employee twenty-four (24) hours before the new Employee's start date. The
new Employee will have ten (10) working days from their start date to opt in or out of the
Union. The Union shall provide the Employee with a copy of this Agreement and provide the
City with the Union approved membership dues/fees form. The City will provide the Union
with a copy of the membership dues/fees form and/or opt out form submitted by an
employee to the City.
3.2 Dues/Fees
Upon written authorization of an Employee on a form provided by the Union, the City shall
deduct from the Employee's paycheck the monthly amount of union dues or agency fees and
transmit such amount to the Union.
1. Membership Dues: Membership dues and fees for Employees who join the Union shall
be collected in accordance with the bylaws of the Union.
2. Voluntary Agency Fees: Employees covered by this Agreement who choose to become a
Voluntary Agency Fee Payer shall have such fees collected in accordance with the
bylaws of the Union.
3.3 Payroll Deductions
1. The payment of membership dues or voluntary agency fees shall commence with the
first payday of the month after thirty-one (31) calendar days following the initial date of
employment.
2. The City shall promptly pay to the Union those authorized membership dues/agency
fees deducted from Employee wages each month. Employees, who choose to change
10
140
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
their status from membership to a voluntary agency fee payer or to a non-member, may
do so after written notice to the Union and the City Administration. Such status change
shall become effective immediately based on the date of the written notice. Any
adjustments to the deductions shall occur at the next full pay period.
3.4 Union and Employee Responsibility
This Agreement is binding for every Employee in the bargaining unit. Each Employee,
individually and collectively, accepts full responsibility for carrying out all the provisions of this
Agreement. The Union agrees that it shall actively dissuade absenteeism and tardiness, all
forms of illegal harassment, and any other practices which may hamper the City's operation.
The Union will support the City's efforts to eliminate waste and inefficiency, to improve the
quality of work, and to promote harmonious relations between the City and Employees. The
Union shall make every effort to see that Employees obey all City workplace policies,
procedures, rules, and instructions which are not in conflict with the terms of this Agreement.
3.5 Union Representatives and Activities
1. The Union may have six (6) Employee Representatives who shall be authorized to handle
complaints and grievances arising under this Agreement. The Union shall provide to the
City a list of all authorized Employee Representatives. The Union may designate
different Employee Representatives at any time within thirty (30) calendar days written
notice to the City Administration.
2. An Employee Representative may make reasonable visits within the work area the
Employee represents for the purposes of handling specific complaints and grievances
arising under this Agreement. The Employee Representative shall first notify and obtain
the approval of the Department Head in advance of such visit, advising the Department
Head where the Employee Representative shall be and how long the Employee
Representative anticipates such visit shall take. The Employee Representative shall
arrange such visits to occur at times when they will least impact City operations and the
performance of work. Prior to conducting such visit, the Employee Representative shall
fill out the appropriate time record recording the time the Representative left the work
assignment/area. Upon concluding the visit, the Employee Representative shall promptly
notify the Department Head that the visit was concluded, and that the Representative has
returned to the work assignment/area, at which time the Representative shall record on the
appropriate time record that the visit has concluded. All time spent on such visits shall be
designated on the time record as Union Leave and deducted from the appropriate Union Leave
account.
3. The Union may have representatives who are not Employees of the City who also shall
be authorized to speak for the Union in all matters governed by this Agreement and
shall be permitted to visit any work area for the purpose of administering this
Agreement at reasonable times upon advance approval of the City Administration or
11
141
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
designee. Such approval will not be unreasonably denied. The Union shall arrange such
visits to occur at times when they will least impact City operations and the performance
of work. The Union shall provide to the City a list of all such authorized representatives.
4. During working hours, the Employee Representative may handle complaints and
grievances arising under this Agreement with the proper City Representative. These
visits shall be scheduled, held and accounted for in the same manner and in accordance
with the procedures set forth in Section 2 above. Employee Representatives will not
leave their work duties during emergency or critical situations.
5. Upon the concurrence of the Department Head and when the normal flow of work will
not be unduly disrupted, the Employee Representative will be allowed to confer
periodically and for a reasonable length of time with Employer Representatives to work
out solutions to problems on matters not deemed critical but which, because of
convenience to both management and labor, can be moved toward resolution. These
visits shall also be scheduled, held and accounted for in the same manner and in
accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2 above.
3.6 Union Leave and Leave Bank
1. Employees granted Union leave shall be paid for their leave time from the Union
Business Leave Bank as set out in Subsection 2 below, so long as there is accumulated
leave in the bank. The City shall not be obligated to compensate the Employee
Representatives for any time spent on Union leave. The hours spent on Union leave will
not be counted as hours worked for purposes of computing overtime. Union leave shall
be granted in the following manner:
a. No more than six (6) Employee members of the Union negotiating committee shall
receive Union leave for all time necessary for the conduct of contract negotiations,
including reasonable time for negotiating committee meetings outside of the
negotiations themselves.
b. Union leave shall be granted for all reasonable time necessary to process grievances,
including arbitrations, for grievants, Employee Representatives and elected Union
officers who may be involved, and witnesses.
c. Employee Representatives shall be granted up to five (5) workdays per calendar year
of Union leave to attend Union sponsored training.
d. Elected Union officers shall be granted a reasonable amount of Union leave for the
purpose of conducting Union business. Such time shall not normally exceed four (4)
hours per week.
e. Union leave will not be unreasonably denied. However, it is understood and agreed
that such leave may be denied if the Employee's services are needed by the City.
12
142
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
Requests for association business leave will normally be made through the Union
President or designee. The Union will endeavor to give as much notice as possible
for business leave.
2. Union Business Leave Bank
a. There is hereby created a Union Business Leave Bank which shall be administered by
the Employer with records kept by the Employer. The Bank shall be established by
an automatic transfer each January 16 of two (2) hours of PTO leave from the leave
account of each Employee in the bargaining unit. If an Employee does not have two
(2) hours of PTO leave as of January 16, the two (2) hours shall be transferred when
the Employee has accrued them. The Bank will be used consistent with the terms of
this Article.
b. The Union may cancel the automatic leave deduction for any year in which enough
cash is available for purposes of the Bank.
c. The Employer agrees that reasonable effort will be made to release Employees
consistent with the terms of this Article. However, the parties recognize that
situations may arise that prevent representatives from being released.
3.7 Meeting Space
Where there is available meeting space in City owned facilities, such space may be used for
meetings by the Union at no cost to the Union with a written reasonable notice to the City.
Approval shall not be unreasonably denied.
3.8 Bulletin Board
The Union shall have the right to use bulletin board space at mutually agreeable locations for
the purposes of posting Union information. The union contract and union calendar shall be
placed in all city Employee break rooms and shall be plainly visible.
ARTICLE 4 - JOB CLASSIFICATION, JOB DESCRIPTIONS & PAY PLAN
It is the obligation of the City to establish and maintain a classification system and a pay plan.
4.1 Classification Rights and Duty
1. The City shall have sole authority and duty to establish, decide, determine, and
designate all occupational classifications it has to offer Employees, including the right to
establish new classifications, reclassify, change, consolidate or abolish existing
classifications at any time, and to determine job content, duties and responsibilities. The
City shall also have the authority to allocate and reallocate positions.
13
143
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
2. The City may establish new classifications and rates for classifications. The City shall
notify the Union when any new classification is established within ten (10) working days
of such action. The notification shall include a copy of the job class specifications.
Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, notification shall be via email and job class
specification shall be attached. In the event the Union, within five (5) calendar days
thereafter, notifies the City in writing that it disagrees with said rate, the matter shall be
subject to negotiations between the parties. The rate shall be effective as of the first
date Employees were assigned to the classification.
4.2 Job Descriptions
The City shall maintain job descriptions which identify essential functions but are not inclusive
of every duty of a position. Job descriptions shall include a statement of qualifications
consistent with Section 4.4 below. The City will notify the Union of proposed changes to Job
Descriptions which will impact Employees currently employed in the affected position(s) within
ten (10) working days prior to being adopted. The notification shall include a copy of the job
class description. Notification shall be via email and job class specification shall be attached. In
the event the Union, within five (5) calendar days thereafter, notifies the City in writing that it
disagrees with said rate, the matter shall be subject to negotiations between the parties.
4.3 Duties of Employees
An Employee may be required by the City to perform the duties described in the job description
for the Employee's class as well as any other duties which the Employee has the skills and
qualifications to perform.
4.4 Qualifications Statements
The qualifications statements in each job description establish minimum requirements that
must be met by an individual before consideration for appointment or promotion to a position.
Common alternative combinations of education, training or experience are specified in the job
description.
4.5 Job Titles
1. Official Job Titles: Each position shall have an official job title which is specified in the
classification plan and is used to identify each individual position. The official job title
shall be used to designate positions in all budget estimates, payroll documents, and
personnel records and reports.
2. Working Job Titles: For all purposes other than those described in Subsection 1 above,
any suitable working job title may be used.
3. Position Levels: The job titles are generally indicative of the work of the position and of
14
144
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
the level of its importance and responsibility. Where Roman numerals or numbers are
affixed at the end of a title to indicate level within an occupation subseries, the higher
numbers represent the higher levels.
4.6 Review of Job Classifications and Job Classes
1. The City Manager shall provide for a systematic and periodic review of classes of
positions if the City Manager determines, in his or her sole discretion, that duties,
responsibilities, and authority have changed substantially, or other conditions, including
but not limited to an Employee request for review, warrant such a review. The City
Manager shall allow the Union and Employees to provide input into such a review.
2. When an Employee, or the Union acting on the behalf of an Employee, feels that the
duties and responsibilities of his/her position are not accurately reflected in the job
description, the Employee or the Union will provide a written request in writing to
Human Resource Officer to re -analyze the job description.
3. The Union may appeal in writing the findings of the Human Resources Officer to the City
Manager within ten (10) working days. The City Manager will render a decision within
thirty (30) working days.
4. The Union may request not more than three (3) studies of significant substance under
Subsection 2 above in a calendar year.
4.7 Wage Schedule
The pay plan shall include the schedule of pay ranges, consisting of minimum, intermediate,
and maximum rates of pay for all positions. The development of the pay plan shall be directly
linked with the classification plan and shall be based on the principle of equal pay for equal
work. The City Administration shall be responsible for developing the pay plan and pay
schedule.
a. Wage The Salary Schedule schedules arc is posted in Appendix AW.
ARTICLE 5 - PERSONNEL ACTIONS
5.1 Personnel Actions
The City shall have the sole and exclusive right to make appointments, including but not limited
to recruiting, examining, selecting, promoting, and transferring Employees of its choosing and
to determine the times and methods of such actions. The City retains the right to fill any
position from outside the bargaining unit, although the City recognizes the benefits of selecting
a qualified Employee covered by this Agreement who has applied for a vacancy. All personnel
15
145
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
actions shall be documented.
5.2 Definitions
1. "Appointing authority" means the City Manager, except that the City Clerk shall be the
appointing authority for all positions in the City Clerk Department.
2. "Department Head" means each of the following: The Finance Director, the Manager
Director of Engineering and Construction Community Development, the Manager
Director of Electric Utility, the Public Works Director, the Harbormaster, the Chief of
Police, the Fire Chief, the Director of Parks and Recreation, the IT Director, and the
Library & /Museum Director.
3. "Personnel officer" means the Human Resource Officer Manager.
4. "Exempt employee" means an employee whose position is classified under the Fair
Labor Standards Act (FLSA) as an executive, professional, or administrative position.
These positions are not subject to overtime compensation.
5. "Regular employee" means an employee in a regular position, full-time or part-time,
who has successfully completed all probationary periods and is not a temporary,
seasonal, on -call, or emergency employee.
6. "Regular position" means a position which is expected to exist for more than nine (9)
months.
7. "Full-time employee" means an employee who regularly works forty (40) hours per
week.
8. "Part-time employee" means an employee who regularly works one (1) to thirty-four
(34) hours per week.
9. "Probationary employee" means an employee who has not yet completed the
probationary period imposed (reference the article not the code).
5.3 Job Announcements
1. The City shall post all bargaining unit position job openings, whether newly created or
vacant, at mutually agreeable locations in each department for a period of five (5)
calendar days prior to the expiration date for submission of applications. The posting
timeframe may be shortened when required by circumstances beyond the City's control
or where necessary to ensure the continuity of City operations. Justification must be
provided in the announcement and to the union.
2. All qualified bargaining unit members who hold regular status and submit an application
16
146
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
for a posted vacancy will be considered for any job vacancy covered by this Agreement
along with any other applicants.
3. Qualified Employees covered by this Agreement who apply for any vacancy shall be
granted an interview for the position. The City acknowledges the value of current
Employees and agrees to give Employees who interview for a vacant position full and
fair consideration.
5.4 Types of Appointments
1. Emergency Appointment: The appointing authority may authorize emergency
appointments not to exceed thirty (30) calendar days without recourse to usual
certification procedures. Such appointments shall be made only in cases of an
unforeseen emergency and when necessary to prevent impairment to City services.
Emergency appointments are not entitled to any benefits.
a. The City shall notify the Union in writing of an Emergency appointment or
reappointment no later than 10 (ten) days after such an appointment. The
notification shall include, but not be limited to, the position title, length of
appointment, pay, description of unforeseen em gency, and description of
impairment to the city.
2. On -call Appointment: Employees may be hired on an on -call basis upon the
recommendation of the Department Head and approval of the City Manager. On -
call appointments may be for no more than 180 calendar days.
a. The City shall notify the Union in writing of an On -call appointment or
reappointment no later than 10 (ten) days after such appointment. The
notification shall include, but not be limited to, the position title, length of the
appointment, pay, and summary of the recommendation by the Department
Head.
3. Probationary Appointment: All appointments to positions in City service, including new
hires, rehires, demotions for disciplinary reasons, and promotions shall be on a
probationary basis. Length of probation period for a regular full-time employee is 180
calendar days unless probation is extended.
4. Regular Appointment: A regular appointment occurs after an Employee has satisfactorily
completed a probationary appointment to the position.
5. Temporary Appointment/Seasonal Appointments:
a. Temporary appointments shall not exceed nine (9) consecutive months. Ne-
temporary employee shall work more than nine (9) months in a calendar y ar.
17
147
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
Consecutive nine -month appointments cannot be served without a break. A
break is defined as one (1) entire pay period off.
i. The City shall notify the Union in writing of a Temporary appointment or
reappointment no later than 10 (ten) days after such appointment. The
notification shall include, but not be limited to, the position title and
description, project description, length of appointment, length of a break
(if the appointment is consecutive), and pay.
ii. A temporary appointment may be terminated at any point for positions
which have a full-time position already established with the City, should a
full-time employee become available
b. Seasonal Appointment: Seasonal appointments shall be made on a seasonal basis
with the expectation that the Employee will return to their position consistent with
the City's needs, although the hiring will be temporary pursuant to Temporary
appointments. No Employee shall have the absolute right to continue employment
in any particular position.
c. Employees hired on a temporary or seasonal basis with prior City work status may
be given preference for re-employment for the same position on the
recommendation of the Department Head and approval of the City Manager. Job
announcements for temporary or season positions shall contain notice that persons
with priority City work status may be accorded preference for re-employment.
6. Term Appointments: The appointing authority, or a Department Head with the approval
of the City Manager, may appoint term employees. A term employee is an employee in
a position, full or part-time, that is designed for a specified period of time of more than
nine (9) months and less than two (2) years for a specific purpose or project. A person
hired for a term appointment shall be hired under the same provisions and have the
same benefits as a regular employee, except that a term employee appointed to a
position of less than one year shall not accumulate annual leave or be authorized
military or education leave. However, annual leave shall be credited retroactive to the
date of term appointment if a term employee is appointed as a regular employee
without a break in service as an Employee of the City.
a. The City shall notify the Union in writing of a Term appointment or reappointment
no later than 10 (ten) days after such an appointment. The notification shall
include, but not be limited to, the position title and description, project description,
length of appointment, and pay.
7. Acting Appointment / Temporary Assignment:
a. An acting appointment is made when a qualified Employee may be required to serve
18
148
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
temporarily in a higher -level position.
b. Time in an acting appointment may be counted toward experience for the class of
position.
c. Employees filling an acting assignment shall not be asked or allowed to do jobs or
tasks that they are not adequately trained or licensed to do. An Employee who
obtains an acting appointment shall not always be required to perform all the duties
and responsibilities assigned to the incumbent. The duties and responsibilities that
are assigned to the Employee who has obtained the acting appointment shall be
determined by the City Administration.
d. When an Employee is temporarily assigned to a position with a higher pay range for
a period of at least three (3) consecutive days, or when the Department Head is
out of state, but less than thirty (30) days, they shall be compensated above their
base rate by tcn twenty-five percent (25%). If an Employee's base rate is the
maximum of the pay range, they shall be compensated above the maximum pay
step by tcn twenty-five percent (25%). If the assignment is for a period of thirty
(30) calendar days or more, they shall be paid at the first step of the higher pay
range or they shall be given a tcn twenty-five percent (25%) increase as provided in
the preceding sentence, whichever is higher, for the full period worked in the
temporary assignment. An Employee who is temporarily assigned to a position with
a lower pay range for any period shall not receive a reduction in pay. An Employee
acting in an exempt position will still receive their hourly rate plus tcn twenty-five
percent (25%) and will be paid for overtime at time and a half.
5.5 Promotion
A promotion is the filling of a vacancy by the advancement of an Employee from a position
having a lower pay range. Promotions shall be based upon qualifications. All promotions shall
be advertised for seven (7) days to all City Employees. All qualified City Employees shall be
allowed to apply and complete the interview process before the position is posted to the
public.
5.6 Transfers
A transfer is the lateral movement from one bargaining unit position to another position in the
same or a parallel class in the same pay range without any break in service. The transfer may be
within a department, or from one department to another. An Employee must meet the
minimum qualifications for the position the Employee transfers to.
1. Voluntary Employee Requested Transfer: An Employee may request a transfer within or
between departments by submitting the request in writing to the City Administrators.
The request must include a current job application providing evidence of qualification
19
149
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
for the requested position. Upon approval of the City Administration, or designee, and
before completion of any transfer, the Employee shall be notified in writing of any
change in status, including pay step, anniversary date, length of service, and
requirement for serving a probationary period.
2. Reasonable Accommodation: A transfer may be offered to a qualified Employee with a
disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Failure to accept an offered transfer
in this situation may result in administrative separation if the Employee is unable to
perform the essential functions of his/her current position without accommodation and
if the Employer can demonstrate that an accommodation would impose an undue hardship.
ARTICLE 6 - PROBATIONARY PERIODS
6.1 Newly Hired Positions
1. The probationary period for full time positions is one hundred and eighty (180) calendar
days.
2. The probationary period for part-time positions is five hundred and twenty (520) hours
of consecutive service.
3. Probationary appointments entitle a newly hired Employee to the same benefits
available to an Employee who has obtained a regular appointment, subject to the
conditions of the benefit plans, and unless otherwise specified in this Agreement.
4. The Employee shall acquire regular status on the first working day following completion
of the probationary period unless action is taken to separate the Employee or to extend
the probationary period in writing prior to the end of the probationary appointment.
The probationary period may be extended for a period of time not to exceed ninety (90)
calendar days. Such an extension does not affect or change the initial hire anniversary
date with the City for the Employee.
6.2 Probationary Period after Promotion
1. Regular Employees who are promoted shall serve a new probationary period of one
hundred and eighty (180) calendar days in the new position. An Employee who holds
regular status in any position and who subsequently accepts a promotion to a new
position retains return rights to return to the last position in which Employee held
regular status if the position is vacant when the employee requests to return. The
Employee may exercise these rights voluntarily at any time prior to completion of
probation in the new position or upon notification that Employee has failed to
satisfactorily complete probation in the new position. An Employee who exercises this
return right shall not be required to serve a probationary period in a position where the
Employee has already held regular status. Return rights do not apply to an Employee
disciplined for just cause.
20
150
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
2. Unless the continuity of City services is at risk, the promoted Employee's previous
position will not be filled for fourteen (14) days in order for the newly promoted
Employee and the City to determine if the promotion is a proper fit. Either the Employee
or the City can invoke return rights to the Employee's previous position during this time
for any reason or no reason.
3. A promoted Employee who returns to a previous position, regardless of the reason, will
be returned to the range and step the Employee held prior to promotion.
4. Employees who promote or transfer out of the bargaining unit have no rights to return
to their former bargaining unit position.
5. Promotional probationary employee means an employee who has not successfully
completed a probationary period for a position into which the employee was promoted
or hired.
6.3 Probationary Period after Demotion
When a Regular Employee is demoted for a non -disciplinary reason to a position in a job
classification where the Employee had previously completed a probationary period, no
probationary period shall be served. When a Regular Employee demotes into a position that the
Employee has not previously held regular status, the Employee shall be placed on a six (6)
month probationary period.
6.4 Discipline or Separation During Probationary Period
At any time during the probationary period, a newly hired Employee serves "at will" and may be
disciplined or discharged for any reason or no reason. Just cause is not required for any form of
discipline or separation during the probationary period under these circumstances.
ARTICLE 7 - PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS & PERSONNEL FILES
7.1 Performance Evaluations
The primary purpose of the Employee performance evaluation program is to inform Employees
how well they are performing and to offer constructive criticism on how they can improve their
work performance. Performance evaluations shall also be considered in decisions affecting
salary advancement, promotions, reassignments, dismissal, and training needs.
7.2 Periods of Evaluations
1. End of Probationary Period: Each Employee shall be evaluated within ten (10) working
days prior to the completion of their probationary period. If the probationary period
21
151
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
ends without being extended or the employee being terminated, it is assumed the
Employee performance is satisfactory even if a performance review is not completed,
and shall receive their pay increase.
2. Annual: Each Employee shall receive an annual performance evaluation. (see 7.3.5)
3. Special: A special performance evaluation may be completed when there is a significant
change either upward or downward in the Employee's performance.
7.3 The Evaluation Process
1. Rating Officer: The rating officer shall be the Employee's immediate supervisor. The
rating officer shall be responsible for completing a performance evaluation on the form
provided and approved by the City. In the case of unsatisfactory performance, the rating
officer will include written comments as to the remedial actions required by the
Employee. The completed evaluation shall be discussed with the Employee, and the
Employee will be allowed to add comments if desired. After the discussion is completed,
both the rating officer and the Employee shall sign the completed evaluation form, but
such form shall not be considered incomplete or invalid because the Employee fails or
refuses to sign it.
2. Reviewing Officer: The reviewing officer shall be the rating officer's immediate
supervisor. The reviewing officer shall review the performance evaluation completed by
each rating officer under their jurisdiction before the report is discussed with the
Employee. The reviewing officer shall consider the performance evaluation completed
by the rating officer when evaluating the rating officer's performance.
3. The Employee shall be allowed five (5) calendar days to prepare written comments
which will become part of the evaluation. No further comments or changes may be
made on the form by management after it has been submitted to the Employee for final
signature. The original performance evaluation shall be filed in the Employee's
personnel file with a copy of the final document provided to the Employee.
4. Police officers shall not be evaluated on the number of traffic stops and citations they
write or the number of arrests they make, unless they are provided written directive
by the department head, to the extent that the number of stops, citations or arrests is
indicative of performance, the figures may be considered during an evaluation in
conjunction with other factors.
5. Employees who receive an overall rating of "unsatisfactory" on their annual evaluation
shall not be eligible to receive a step increase. Any unsatisfactory performance
evaluation will require review and concurrence by the City Manager.
6. When an annual evaluation is not completed and discussed with the Employee within
thirty (30) calendar days following the Employee's anniversary date in a position, it is
22
152
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
assumed the Employee is meeting performance expectations, unless shown otherwise
by substantial evidence. If a performance evaluation is not completed timely through no
fault of the Employee, it is assumed the Employee performance is satisfactory, and shall
receive their pay increase.
7.4 Personnel Files
1. The City shall maintain a confidential personnel file for each Employee in the Human
Resources office. No confidential or protected information will be maintained by any
individual City department unless specifically identified within this Agreement or
required by law.
2. An Employee shall have access to their personnel file in a reasonable period of time
following notice to the Human Resources office. Employees shall also be provided a
copy of the Employee's personnel file, or any parts thereof, within a reasonable period
of time following the Employee's request for a copy.
3. The Union, or any other third party, shall have access to an Employee's personnel file
only upon written authorization by the Employee specifying what files or documents the
Union or third party may review.
3,4. The Union Shall be present an Employee's exit interview upon written request to
the Human Resource Manager and with the written authorization of the employee.
45. Nothing in this Section precludes the City from releasing an Employee's personnel
file as required by law or a court order.
ARTICLE 8 - DISCIPLINE AND DISCHARGE
8.1 General Policy
1. All Employees shall be informed of applicable standards of performance and personal
conduct. All City Employees shall have in their possession a copy of an up-to-date
personnel regulations manual.
2. All disciplinary actions shall be documented in writing and presented to the Employee
and placed in the Employee's personnel file. The letter shall be reviewed with the
Employee and sincere efforts shall be made to obtain agreement with the Employee
that facts are stated correctly that the inappropriate or incorrect behavior did occur,
that it represents behavior that should be disciplined, that the discipline is appropriate
and that the behavior shall not be repeated. If agreed errors are found, the letter shall
be revised and again reviewed. Comments of the Employee shall be entered under the
appropriate heading.
8.2 Disciplinary Action Procedure
23
153
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
1. Regular Employees: The City shall notify SPEA Employees of meetings to be held that
may result in discipline in writing. The notification shall include the purpose of the
meeting, the date, time, and place that the meeting will be held, and that the Employee
has the right to request Union representation. Also, the notification will allow twenty-
four (24) hours as described in Section 8.3(2) to arrange for appropriate representation
to be secured if the Employee so desires. No Regular (non -probationary) Employee shall
be disciplined without just cause. The City will follow the principle of progressive
discipline at the appropriate steps and as applicable. Progressive discipline steps may include
but are not limited to:
a. oral reprimand (memorialized in writing);
b. written reprimand;
c. suspension without pay;
d. demotion; or
e. dismissal.
2. Probationary Employees: At any time during the probationary period, a new or rehired
Employee may be disciplined or discharged for any reason or no reason. Just cause is
not required for any form of discipline or separation during the probationary period.
3. Mitigating circumstances may be considered when evaluating a just cause disciplinary
situation, to include the Employee's past performance, length of service, and existence
of past discipline.
4. A Bargaining Unit Member will have the right to examine his or her personnel files.
Reasonable requests for copies of material contained in personnel files will be honored.
Upon written request to the City Administration, disciplinary material may be removed
after two (2) years. In the event the requested material is not removed, the bargaining
unit member will be informed of the reasons why and the conditions necessary for its
removal.
8.3 Right to Union Representative During Investigative Interview
1. Employees will be entitled to their Weingarten rights when answering questions asked
by their supervisor or by a City representative, when they believe their response to the
question(s) could lead to their being disciplined or terminated or adversely affect their
personal working conditions.
24
154
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
2. Employees shall be given twenty-four (24) working hours' notice of a disciplinary
interview, so they can arrange to have their Union representative present.
3. The City will provide a copy of notices of a disciplinary interview to the Union President
and the APEA/AFT Field Representative.
8.4 Just Cause
"Just cause" means that justification exists for a proposed disciplinary action. "Just
cause" includes, but is not limited to, the following:
1. Insubordination, including failure to comply with a supervisor's instruction and work
assignment.
2. Dishonesty, either verbally, in writing, or in action, including but not limited to
falsification of employment application or other City documents and time sheets.
3. Drugs and Alcohol.
a. Employees will be terminated for use or possession of alcohol, marijuana or illegal
drugs at the work site during work hours. Unlawful manufacture, distribution,
dispensing, possession or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the
workplace.
b. Employees are encouraged to voluntarily seek professional support for drug or
alcohol -related problems. Employees who seek treatment shall discuss the
situation with their supervisors if leave time, with or without pay, is required for
the employee to obtain treatment or hospitalization.
1. Supervisors are encouraged to grant leave, with or without pay, for such
requests.
2. When leave without pay is involved, the employee shall provide a statement
from the attending physician or counselor to the supervisor, stating that
treatment is being received and describing the length of the treatment
program.
3. An employee's job security or promotion opportunities shall not be jeopardized
by a request for leave to obtain counseling or treatment.
c. In all matters concerning employees' drug or alcohol -related problems, strict
confidentiality shall be maintained by supervisors, administrators, and
administrative support personnel.
25
155
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
1. Failure to comply with safety regulations.
2. Fighting or other disorderly conduct on City premises or while on City business.
3. Stealing of or unauthorized use of City tools, equipment, or property.
4. Recurring absenteeism, tardiness, or leaving the worksite early.
5. Conviction of a crime which damages the image or reputation of the City or
conviction of a crime which impairs or compromises the Employee's credibility,
eligibility, or fitness for work.
6. Inefficiency, including waste of working time or materials.
7. Failure to conduct oneself on duty in a cooperative manner.
8. Exhibiting on duty conduct or behaviors which interfere with the Employee's
performance or the City's business, operations, or image.
9. Willful violation of any personnel regulations.
10. Violations of applicable state or City laws and regulations concerning ethics and
conflicts of interest.
11. Any act or omission which had or will have a material adverse effect on the
business, operations, or financial condition of the City.
12. Harassment of other Employees or the public.
13. Loss of necessary license or required certification for the position.
14. Any other conduct identified in the Seward City Code as grounds for discipline or
dismissal from employment; or
15. Any other conduct commonly recognized by reasonable persons as justification
for discipline, including dismissal.
8.5 Garrity Rights for Licensed Personnel of Police Department
Uniformed personnel of the Police Department shall be accorded the protections and
obligations provided in Garrity v. New Jersey, which requires, among other things, warnings
concerning right to counsel and the potential uses of statements made in the course of
investigatory interviews.
26
156
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
ARTICLE 9 - GRIEVANCE AND ARBITRATION PROCEDURES
9.1 Definition of Grievance
A grievance is a dispute involving the interpretation, application, or alleged violation of any
provision of this Agreement. It is the mutual intent of both parties to resolve any differences at
the lowest level. All Employees shall be encouraged to bring any disagreements to their
immediate supervisor initially to resolve such problems through informal and free
communication before the formal grievance procedure begins.
9.2 Procedural Steps
1. All grievances presented at Step 2 of this Article and beyond shall set forth: the facts
giving rise to the grievance; the provision(s) of the Agreement alleged to have been
violated; the names of the aggrieved Employee(s); and the remedy sought. All
grievances at Step 2 and beyond shall be signed and dated by the aggrieved Employee
and/or Union representative. All written answers submitted by the City shall be signed
and dated by the appropriate City representative.
2. Grievances involving a disciplinary suspension, or a termination of employment, must be
entered into the formal grievance procedure at the Step 2 level.
Step 1: The aggrieved Employee or group of Employees shall present the grievance
orally to the immediate supervisor within ten (10) working days of its occurrence,
not including the day of the occurrence. Pre -grievance discussion will not extend the
ten (10) working day period. The supervisor or department head shall give an oral
reply within five (5) working days of the date of presentation of the grievance, not
including the date of presentation.
Step 2: Written Grievance to Department Head. The Employee, through the Union,
no later than fifteen (15) working days after the event giving rise to the grievance, or
fifteen (15) working days after the Employee or Union should reasonably have
learned of the event giving rise to the grievance, whichever is later, must submit a
written grievance to the Department Head. The Department Head shall give
Employee written answer to the grievance within fifteen (15) working days after
receipt of the grievance.
Step 3: Written Appeal to the City Administration. A grievance appealing a dismissal
of a grievance, or a grievance not settled at Step 2 shall be filed at Step 3. The
Employee, through the Union, no later than fifteen (15) working days after a
dismissal or the receipt of the Department Head's written answer at Step 2 may file
a written appeal of that answer to the City Administration. No later than fifteen (15)
working days after receipt of the written appeal, the City Administration, or
27
157
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
designee, shall meet with the Employee and the Union representative. The City
Administration, or designee, shall give Employee written answer to the grievance
within fifteen (15) working days after such meeting, which answer shall be final and
binding on the Employee, the Union, and the City, unless it is timely appealed to
arbitration by the Union in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 9.5
of this Article.
Step 4: Appeal to Arbitration per Section 9.5.
3. Any Step in the grievance procedure may be eliminated by mutual consent. Mutual
consent shall be indicated in writing and shall be signed by all parties.
9.3 Time Limitations
1. If the grievance procedures are not initiated within the established time limits, the
Employee shall be considered as having waived his/her right to grieve the particular
violation or complaint.
2. Any grievance not taken to the next step of the grievance procedure within the
established time limits shall be considered settled based on the last reply made.
3. If the City fails to meet or answer any grievance within the established time limits, such
grievance shall automatically advance to the next step.
4. If the grievance hearing before the appeal board under Step 4 of the grievance
procedure is not held within ninety (90) days from the date of the hearing request, the
grievance shall be considered abandoned and the matter shall end, except if failure to
hold the hearing is caused by the City's refusal to meet at any time during that period, it
shall be deemed that the City has considered the grievance to be in favor of the grievant
and shall resolve the matter accordingly.
5. The time limitations set forth in this Article are of the essence of this Agreement. No
grievance shall be valid unless it is submitted or appealed within the time limits set forth
in this Article. If the grievance is not timely submitted at Step 1 or Step 2, it shall be
deemed waived. If the grievance is not timely appealed to Step 2 or beyond, it shall be
deemed to have been settled in accordance with the City's Step 2 answer. If the City fails
without reasonable cause to request an extension or otherwise communicate with the
aggrieved party within the time limits or in the manner set forth in this Article, the
Union shall be granted the remedy requested. Any default remedy cannot be used as
precedent against the City if a similar situation arises in the future.
9.4 Extension of Time Limits
The established time limits may be extended by mutual consent of the parties involved.
Likewise, any step in the grievance procedure may be eliminated by mutual consent. Mutual
28
158
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
consent shall be indicated in writing and shall be signed by all parties.
9.5 Appeal to Arbitration
Any grievance, as defined in Section 9.1 of this Article, that has been properly and timely
processed through the grievance procedure set forth in Sections 9.2 through 9.4 of this Article
and that has not been settled at the conclusion thereof, may be appealed to arbitration by the
Union by serving the City with written notice of its intent to appeal. The failure to appeal a
grievance to arbitration in accordance with Section 9.6 within fifteen (15) working days after
receipt of the written answer of the City at Step 3 of the grievance procedure set forth in
Section 9.2 of this Article shall constitute a waiver of the Union's right to appeal to arbitration,
and the written answer of the City at Step 3 of the grievance procedure shall be final and
binding on the aggrieved Employee, the City, and the Union.
9.6 Selection of Arbitrator
Unless otherwise agreed, no later than fifteen (15) working days after the Union serves the City
with written notice of intent to appeal a grievance to arbitration, the City and the Union shall
jointly request the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) to furnish to the City and
the Union a list of seven (7) qualified and impartial arbitrators. After receipt of that list, the City
and the Union shall alternatingly strike names from the list until only one (1) name remains (the
order of striking to be determined by the toss of a coin flipped by the Union Representative and
called by the City). The arbitrator whose name remains shall hear the grievance
9.7 Arbitrator's Jurisdiction
The jurisdiction and authority of the arbitrator and his or her opinion and award shall be
confined exclusively to the interpretation and/or application of the express provision(s) of this
Agreement at issue between the Union and the City. The arbitrator shall have no authority to
add to, detract from, alter, amend, or modify any provision of this Agreement. The arbitrator
shall not hear or decide more than one (1) grievance without the consent of the City. The
written award of the arbitrator of any grievance adjudicated within his or her jurisdiction and
authority shall be final and binding on the aggrieved Employee, the Union, and the City.
9.8 Fees and Expenses of Arbitration
The losing party as determined by the arbitrator shall bear the fee of the arbitrator; if, in the
opinion of the arbitrator, neither party can be considered the losing party, then such fees
should be apportioned as determined by the arbitrator.
9.9 Extension of Time Frames
Time frames for the grievance/arbitration process may be extended only by mutual agreement
of the Union and the City.
29
159
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
9.10 Delivery of Grievances and Responses
1. Grievances and responses shall be delivered by electronic communication. When a
writtcn grievance or response is delivered by mail, it shall be scnt rcturn receipt
requested to the respondent or to thc person filing thc grievance. Whcn a writtcn
grievance or response is hand delivered, thc respondent or thc person filing the
grievance shall acknowledge receipt in writing of thc grievance or response. Whcn a
shall be delivered by mail. Copics of all writtcn responses to grievances at any stcp shall be sent
to thc APEA/AFT Field Office in Anchorage.
2. For the purposes of the time frames in this Article, a grievance or response delivered by
mail or electronic communication shall be considered submitted on the date the
electronic communication is sent of mailing or date of electronic communication, but
the time for response or for filing the next step shall not begin to run until the day after
actual reccipt.the electronic communication is sent. A hand delivered grievance or
repo shaIi be sidcrcd bmittcd on thc date of delivery, and thc time for
response or for filing thc next stcp begins to run on thc day after that date. If the last
day of a time period falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, the period will be extended
until the next business day.
9.11 Sole and Exclusive Nature of Grievance Procedure
The grievance procedures of this Agreement are the sole and exclusive remedies of the
Employees of the City of Seward alleging violations of this Agreement and/or any disciplinary
actions or complaints.
ARTICLE 10 - SEPARATION/SENIORITY/LAYOFF
10.1 Actions That Constitute Separation from City Service
An Employee shall be separated from City service upon the occurrence of any of the following,
including but not limited to, resignation, medical separation, retirement, dismissal for cause,
release during probationary period, job abandonment, or layoff.
10.2 Resignations
1. Notice of Resignation: An Employee who desires to resign in good standing shall give at
least fourteen (14) calendar days' written notice to their immediate supervisor.
Members of the Police and Fire Departments must provide at least thirty (30) calendar
days' advance written notice. The period of notice may be reduced or waived by the City
upon recommendation of the Department Head. A notice of resignation shall become
part of the personnel file. Employees who resign or are terminated shall be paid in
accordance with state and federal law.
30
160
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
2. Withdrawal of Resignation: An Employee may withdraw his or her resignation prior to
the effective date stated in the notice of resignation only with the written approval of
the Department Head and the City Administration.
3. Failure to Give Adequate Notice: Failure to give adequate notice shall be noted on the
Employee's separation documents and shall constitute a factor in consideration of any
future application for employment with the City.
4. Effective Date of Resignation: The effective date of resignation pursuant to a notice of
resignation shall be the last day on which the Employee works.
10.3 Medical Separation
An Employee who is unable to return to work following approved medical leave, with or
without pay, shall be separated in good standing from City of Seward employment. Depending
on the type of injury or illness, and whether it happened on or off the job, the Employee may
be able to take part in either the Long -Term Disability Program with the City of Seward health
benefit plan or the Long -Term Disability Plan under the retirement system. Employees are
responsible to make themselves aware of the particular requirements in both Long -Term
Disability plans and should contact the City if further information is required, beyond what is
provided in the plan documents.
10.4 Dismissal for Just Cause
1. The City Manager or Department Head, upon approval of the City Manager, may dismiss
a regular Employee for just cause, as stated in Article 8, Section 8.4.
2. The appropriate steps of progressive discipline shall be followed.
10.5 Seniority
1. Seniority means the total length of service and continuous employment with the
Employer in positions covered by this Agreement. Employees shall not accumulate
seniority during their probationary period. After an Employee has completed their
probationary period and has been granted regular status, their seniority shall be dated
from the date of their employment. Leave without pay shall not be used in the
calculation of seniority.
2. The Seniority of an Employee shall terminate under any of the following conditions:
a. When laid off for a period of twenty-four (24) consecutive months;
b. When an Employee resigns from employment with the Employer;
31
161
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
c. When an Employee is discharged for just cause; or
d. When an Employee who is temporarily laid off fails to return to work within fourteen
(14) calendar days after written notice by certified mail to the Employee's last
known address (or delivered to the Employee personally) requesting such return
and, if such Employee fails to notify the City of the Employee's intention to return to
work within forty-eight (48) hours after receiving such notification or arrange for a
mutually agreeable return date.
3. When it is necessary to reduce the number of employees because of lack of work or funds,
or abolition of positions, the department head concerned shall make a thorough
investigation of the problem and report his/her findings and recommendations to the city
manager, who shall decide which employees shall be laid off. Analysis of proposed layoffs
shall consider first the types of activities to be curtailed and the classes of positions thereby
affected. The department head shall then proceed to the selection of individual employees
to be released. Employee efficiency shall be the major factor and determining the order
that employees shall be released, and consideration shall then be given to employee's
length of service with the City. advisability of reassigning Employees in higher classes to
lower classes for which they are qualified and laying off those in lower classes shall also be
considered. There will be no discrimination based on union membership or lack thereof.
10.6 Layoffs
1. The decision to lay off Employees shall be made solely by the City and shall not reflect
discredit upon the services of the Employee.
2. Notice Requirements:
a. An Employee shall be given at least thirty (30) calendar days advance notice of a
layoff.
b. The Union shall be notified in writing of any proposed layoff concurrently with the
Employee. The Union and City agree to discuss alternatives to the proposed layoff
prior to the effective date of the layoff and to negotiate the effects of any layoff if so
requested by the other party.
3. The City shall not lay off an Employee and reclassify their former position with the
intention of filling the position with a temporary hire.
4. Layoffs may occur for any of the following reasons:
a. reduction in force because of a shortage or reduction of work or funds;
b. the abolition of a position;
32
162
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
c. change in departmental organization;
d. termination of a grant; or any other legitimate business reason not
inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement.
5. A regular Employee shall be offered a vacant position for which the Employee is
qualified in lieu of layoff. The Employee will be subject to the same qualifications review
as any new Employee to determine an appropriate wage.
6. A regular Employee retains the right to be recalled to a vacant position in the same or
similar job class, in the same or different department that the Employee previously was
regularly employed, for one (1) year after the layoff so long as the Employee has
indicated that the Employee is qualified and interested and available to return to work.
7. Regular or probationary Employees shall not be laid off while casual/temporary
Employees are in a position in the same department for which the regular or
probationary Employees meet the minimum qualifications.
10.7 Dismissal Notice or Severance Pay
In the case where a regular Employee who has completed a probationary period is laid off, the
City shall give the Employee forty five (45) days' notice or forty five (45) days of severance pay.
10.8 Separation Paperwork
On or before the Employee's last day of work, the Employee shall complete all separation
paperwork and return all City property as required by the City.
ARTICLE 11- PAY AND PAYROLL
The pay plan shall include the schedule of pay ranges, consisting of minimum, intermediate,
and maximum rates of pay for all positions. The development of the pay plan shall be directly
linked with the classification plan and shall be based on the principle of equal pay for equal
work. The City Administration shall be responsible for developing the pay plan and pay
schedule.
The parties agree to discuss steps and years of services during the next negotiation cycle, as the
parties agree that years of service are important and alternatives to the longevity bonus should
be discussed during the next negotiation including possibly reflecting years of service in an
employee's range and step.
11.1 Wage Schedule and Pay Rates
the Collective Bargaining Agreement shall include the 2.5% Cost of Living
33
163
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
Adjustment (COLA).
2. The Salary Schedule for the 2ndot-ht ycaars of th-c Claricc i gaining
Agreement shall include 1.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).
3. Regular rate of pay m ans thc hourly rate of pay tually paid an Employcc for ^ al
non overtime work week for which he/she is employed.
pay step and shall receive thc higher pay that comes with this change over the previous
contract Appendix B.
As ofJ As of January 1, 2023, members in the open ranges 10 13 shall have
their pay incr ased the same amount as their range was incr ased.
1. On January 1, 2026, employees will receive a 3% (COLA) cost of living increase. The Salary
Schedule for the first year of the contract (January 1, 2026 — December 31, 2026) is
posted in Appendix A
2. On January 1, 2027, employees will receive a (COLA) cost of living increase added to the
Salary Schedule in Appendix A. The increase will be based on the U.S. Department of
Labor Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for Urban Alaska for
calendar (January — December) year 2026 (Annual average) plus a half a percent (0.5%),
:but shall not be less than two and half percent (2.5%) or exceed five percent (5%).
The City shall provide the 2027 Salary Schedule to the Union and make it available to
employees covered by this contract.
CPI-U for Urban Alaska Calendar Year 2026
COLA Effective January 1, 2027
Less than 2%
2.5%
Greater than or equal to 2% and equal to
CPI-U + 0.5%
or less than 4.5%
Greater than 4.5%
5%
3. On January 1, 2028, employees will receive a (COLA) cost of living increase added to the 2027
Salary Schedule. The increase shall be based on the U.S. Department of Labor Consumer Price Index
for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for Urban Alaska for calendar (January — December) year 2027
(Annual average) plus a half a percent (0.5%) but shall not be less than two and half percent (2.5%)
and shall not exceed five percent (5%).
The City shall provide the 2028 Salary Schedule to the Union and make it available to employees
covered by this contract.
34
164
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
CPI-U for Urban Alaska Calendar Year 2027
COLA Effective January 1, 2028
Less than 2%
2.5%
Greater than or equal to 2% and equal
CPI-U + 0.5%
to or less than 4.5%
Greater than 4.5%
5%
5,4. If the City Council adopts an ordinance that freezes wages for all City employees, the
parties agree to confer immediately for the purpose of arriving at a mutually satisfactory
letter of agreement.
11.2 Starting Rate on Initial Employment
All newly hired Employee's shall begin at Step A within the stated range for their position,
Unless a higher Step is approved, in advance of the offer, by the Human Resources
Administration, the Department Administration and the City Administration using a City
approved wage matrix. Before a higher step may even be considered, the applicant must
demonstrate experience and/or education beyond the minimum required for the position as
specified in the position description._
1. The entrance pay rate shall normally be the minimum rate in the pay range (step A) prescribed for
the class.
2. If an applicant demonstrates experience, skills, and/or education beyond the minimum required for
the position as specified in the position description, a department head, subject to the approval of
the City Manager, may make an appointment above the entrance pay rate up to step E in
recognition of the qualifications.
3. In no instance shall an appointment be made above step E except with the approval of the City
Manager.
11.3 Rate of Pay on Promotion
1. When an Employee is promoted from one position to another having a higher pay
range, the Employee shall receive an increase of not less than one pay step. If the
Employee's current rate of pay is below the minimum rate of the new position, the pay
shall be increased to the minimum step of the new position. If the Employee's current
rate of pay falls within the range of the new position, the pay shall be adjusted to the
next higher pay step in the range for the new position which is at least equal to one step
increase above his/her current pay rate.
2. Upon completion of an approved course of education, including training that results in a
job -related certification, an Employee will receive up to a five (5) percenta one-step
increase in pay effective in the next payroll cyclejimited to once per calendar year. The
Employee shall furnish all relevant diplomas, certificates, transcripts, or other documentation
35
165
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
prior to processing. This increase shall endure while the certification or training remains valid. The
Department H ad City Administration shall compile and maintain a list of valid trainings and
certifications that meet the requirements of this increase and shall submit the current list for
review by SPEA no later than March 15 of every year. An Employee may petition to the City
Manager or the City Manager's designee for consideration of an education program that is not
on the pre -approved list.
11.4 Rate of Pay for a Reclassification of a Position
In any case where a position is reclassified, the pay step of the Employee occupying the position
shall be that step in the new range which will provide the Employee with initial compensation
at least equal to the step held in the old range. Anniversary date remains unchanged and no
additional probationary period shall be required beyond that required of the position that is
reclassified if the essential functions are the same between the old and new classification. In
the event the reclassification results in a pay decrease, the Employee's rate of pay shall be
frozen.
11.5 Upward or Downward Range Change of a Job Class
In the case of a proposed decrease in the pay range for a class of positions, employees keep
their current rate of pay.
11.6 Promotion Following Demotion In lieu of Layoff
If within one (1) year following a demotion in lieu of layoff, an Employee is reassigned back to a
position in the former job classification the Employee was in at the time of Layoff, the
Employee shall be placed at the same range and step the Employee was paid at prior to the
demotion in lieu of layoff.
11.7 Transfers
When an Employee is assigned to a new position in the same class for which the Employee is
qualified, the Employee shall be transferred at the step the Employee was receiving, and no
probationary period shall be served. The Employee's anniversary date shall remain the same as
in the former position.
11.8 Demotion
When an Employee is demoted, the Employee's pay step shall be that step which is determined
by the Department Head and approved in advance by the City Administration.
11.9 Completion of Probation
Upon satisfactory completion of the probationary period after initial appointment, the entrance
salary of the Employee shall be advanced one step. An Employee will not receive a probationary
36
166
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
incr asc if the Employee was hired at Step B or above initially.
11.10 Annual Step Increase
1. Employees who receive a performance evaluation of average or good to excellent shall
receive an annual step increase.
2. A new Employee, after serving a 180-day six month probationary period of satisfactory
performance, shall receive a step increase. An Employee who has transferred to a new
position and who must serve a promotional probationary period shall receive a
probationary step increase upon successful completion of the promotional probationary
period. A probationary step increase is a special, one time only, step increase. For an
Employee to receive further step increases up to step P, he/she must continue to
demonstrate satisfactory service.
3. Anniversary date is the date that an Employee assumes regular status after the
successful completion of a probationary period. This date does not change regardless of
other personnel transactions, promotions, demotions or transfer that may occur during
the course of an Employee's service with the City, except for a period of leave without
pay in excess of thirty (30) days, in which case the Employee's anniversary date and
length of service date shall advance by the number of days in excess of thirty (30).
4. . Current regular Employees will be placed at the step and pay that reflects actual and
credited years of service in their current department. Employees may receive credited
service through the evaluation process or advance step placement.
5. In the event of a future wage and/or classification study in which grades and/or steps
are changed, no regular Employee may be placed below their current step and pay per
article 11.10.4.
11.11 Acting Appointments
When any Employee is temporarily assigned to a position with a higher pay range for a period
of at least three (3) consecutive days but less than thirty (30) days, he/she shall be
compensated above his/her base rate by twenty-five percent (25%). If an Employee's base rate
is the maximum of the pay range, he/she shall be compensated above the maximum pay step
by twenty-five (25%). If the assignment is for a period of thirty (30) calendar days or more,
he/she shall be paid at the first step of the higher pay range or he/she shall be given a twenty-
five percent (25%) increase as provided in the preceding sentence, whichever is higher, for the
full period worked in the temporary assignment. An Employee who is temporarily assigned to a
position with a lower pay range for any period shall not receive a reduction in pay. An Employee
acting in an exempt position will still receive his or her hourly rate plus twenty-five percent
(25%) and will be paid for overtime at time and a half.
37
167
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
11.12 Field Training/School Resource Officer
Police Officers, Dispatchers and Correctional Officers assigned Field Training Officer (FTO) and
School Resource Officer (SRO) duties shall receive a pay differential of two and one-half percent
(2.5%) for each hour so worked as an FTO or SRO. Individuals lacking documentation of
attendance at a formalized FTO training program are not eligible for FTO pay.
11.13 Overtime
1. All overtime work by a non-exempt Employee must have the prior written approval of
the Department Head. The Department Head shall review the record and certify
overtime approved for payment.
2. Non-exempt Employees shall be paid at one and one-half (1.5) times their regular rate
of pay for all hours actually worked in excess of their regularly scheduled shift or forty
(40) hour consecutive hours without having at least one day off.
3. For employees who are working a 12-hour schedule (4 days on and 3 days off / 4 days
off and 3 days on) to work more than 40 hours consecutive without receiving overtime
pay. They shall be paid overtime for more than 80 hours worked in a pay period.
11.14 Call -Out Pay
1. Employees shall receive overtime pay if their normal shift has been completed and after
returning home they are "called out" to perform additional work by their supervisor or if
the Employee's supervisor requires the Employee to report before Employee's normal
shift is scheduled to begin. This "call out pay" shall have a two (2) hour minimum.
2. Supervisors called off duty for questions from subordinates shall be paid in 15-
minute increments of overtime.
3. Early Call -Out. An employee called into work between the hours of midnight and 7 am
shall receive time and a half the employee's regular pay rate. The employee's pay rate
will revert to the employee's regular pay rate at 7 am on the employee's normal
schedule workday.
11.15 Stand -By Pay
Only Department Heads are authorized to create a stand-by schedule. Employees that are
placed on a schedule and must remain available for work after regular scheduled hours shall be
designated as Stand -By and receive two (2) hour of overtime at his or her regular rate of pay
with a two (2) hour minimum for a call -out. Employees receiving stand-by pay must answer any
incoming calls and be able to respond within thirty (30) minutes of the call being placed.
38
168
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
11.16 Stand -By Pay for Police Officers
An Officer will be placed on a schedule and designated as on call, subject to Stand -By Pay 11.15,
on Fridays and Saturdays nights when only one officer is assigned to work a shift.
11.17 Shift Differential
Shift differential compensation applies to all Employees of those departments which schedule
work twenty-four (24) hours per day who are not exempt from the overtime requirements of
the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act on the following bases:
1. Swing shift: The Employee who is assigned to swing shifts shall receive three percent
(3%) additional pay to his/her current salary for the period he/she serves on swing shift.
2. Graveyard shift: The Employee who is assigned to graveyard shifts shall receive six
percent (6%) additional pay to his/her current salary for the period he/she serves on
graveyard shift.
11.18 Payroll and Pay Periods
1. Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit retroactive pay approved by the City Council or
required because of administrative oversight or error as determined by the City
Administration. Personnel action implementing any change in status or pay shall be
effective upon approval of the City Administration provided such changes are received
by the Payroll Office at least ten (10) working days prior to the effective date.
2. The payroll period shall consist of the period from midnight Sunday to the following
midnight Sunday. The standard work day shall be midnight to midnight.
3. Each Employee is responsible for a true and accurate reporting of actual hours worked.
a. Department Heads, or designee, shall be responsible for providing the information
needed to correctly process the payroll.
4. Break in service is defined as at least one (1) entire pay period off.
11.19 Longevity Steps:
Upon receiving a merit increase that places the employee at Step P within their respective range, the
employee shall enter Longevity. The conditions to receive a merit increase while in Longevity shall be as
follows:
1. When an employee reaches the longevity steps of their assigned pay level, the employee shall remain
at each step for two (or more) years.
39
169
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
2. When the employee completes two (or more) years at each step, the employee moves to the next
step, provided the employee has received two consecutive evaluations with an overall rating of
"satisfactory" or higher on the employee's performance evaluations and worked continuously as a
regular or part-time employee.
3. If an employee in longevity receives an "unsatisfactory" or lower annual evaluation in either of the two
years required to receive a step increase, the employee will not be granted a pay increase until the
employee receives two consecutive "satisfactory" or higher evaluations.
4. Employees in longevity are prohibited from skipping steps and must remain at each step as indicated.
5. Each step provides a 2% increase
ARTICLE 12 - HOURS OF WORK
12.1 Hours of Work and Scheduling
1. Regular Hours of Work and Shifts: Regular working hours of City Employees shall consist
of a five (5) day week, eight (8) hours a day, forty (40) hours a week. The standard work
week shall consist of the period from midnight Saturday to the following midnight
Saturday. The standard workday shall consist of the period between midnight and
midnight.
2. Modified Schedule: Upon request and with approval of the Department Head, an
Employee may work a designated schedule period (e.g. 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) during
which Employees may select an eight (8) or ten (10) or twelve (12) hour work period,
with the approval of their Department Head.
3. Department Heads may, with at least two (2) weeks advance written notice to affected
Employees, revise the schedule from an eight (8) hour workday to a ten (10) hour
workday or a twelve (12) hour workday or the reverse. Employees shall also have the
right to request their schedule be changed from an eight (8) hour workday to a ten (10)
hour workday or a twelve (12) hour workday or the reverse. Approval of such a request
is at the discretion of the Department Head but shall be accommodated whenever it will
not adversely affect the needs of the Department.
4. Employees of the Police Department work a varied shift totaling forty (40) hours or
more weekly.
a. Employees assigned a 12 hour schedule may work more than 40 hours a week
without being paid overtime so long as they do not exceed 80 hours in a two week
"work period." Employees will be paid overtime for hours worked in excess of 12
hours worked in a day and in excess of 80 hours in a two -week period.
b. All other employees working 12-hour shifts who are not exempt from the overtime
40
170
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
requirements of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act shall be paid at time and one
half for work over 12 hours in a day or 80 hour work period.
c. Employees assigned to work 12-hour shifts shall be assigned to day, swing or grave
shift. Shift times may be delegated by the Department Head. Swing shift is paid a
three percent 3% differential and grave shift is paid a six percent 6% differential.
d. If a shift is temporarily adjusted to meet the needs of the department and ends
during the normal scheduled shift, shift differential will be based on the normal
scheduled shift and be pursuant to Section11.17 of the contract.
e. Holidays are paid at 8 hours a day at the current rate of pay. Arrangements need to
be made to work 4 hours at the current rate of pay or arrange to take annual leave
for 4 hours on the holiday, or pursuant to Article 13 of the contract.
f. An annual leave day off is 12 hours of leave.
5. An Employee's work schedule shall normally provide two (2) consecutive days off, unless
an emergency situation arises.
6. Nothing in this Agreement precludes Employees from requesting different work hours
or a different shift than that designated by the Employee's Department Head. With the
approval of the Department Head, flexible work hours may be implemented on a
departmental basis to accommodate Employees. The City will endeavor to work with
Employees and grant their requests based on seniority and when operational
requirements allow.
12.2 Temporary Schedules
Department Heads may implement temporary shifting of Employees' working hours to meet
routine needs. Changes of more than thirty (30) minutes may not be approved without a
minimum of one (1) week's advance notice to the affected Employees. Nothing in this
paragraph precludes temporary changes in Employee working hours in an emergency situation.
If the essential functions of a position include emergency response during non-scheduled hours,
refusal to work an alternate schedule or extra hours in an emergency situation without cause
could result in discipline, up to and including dismissal.
12.3 Lunch/Break Period
1. Department Heads shall authorize either a one (1) hour or a half (1/2) hour unpaid lunch
period to meet operational staffing requirements. Such periods will normally be taken at
mid -shift. Employees who are not authorized a specific unpaid lunch period under this
Section will be allowed to take lunch when work permits. If, at the City's direction, the
Employee works through lunch, the Employee shall be paid for such time.
41
171
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
2. Employees may work straight shifts with no lunch break if approved by the Department
Head. Straight shifts will be considered a Modified Schedule and subjected to the terms
of Subsection 12.1.2. A straight shift or "working through lunch" is not available on an
ad -hoc basis to allow an Employee to "make up time" if he/she is unable to work the
regularly scheduled shift for the day.
3. All Bargaining Unit Members are allowed one (1) relief period not to exceed fifteen (15)
minutes during the first half of the shift and one (1) relief period not to exceed fifteen
(15) minutes during the second half of the shift. Breaks shall not be scheduled to extend the meal
break, unless by mutual agreement. The relief period shall be taken in a manner which does not
interrupt the flow of work.
4. Police Officers and other first responders get a paid lunch under FLSA because they are
required to respond to calls.
Any City Employee called out during off hours for four (4) hours or more will be provided for a
meal. If a meal cannot be provided, a meal will be reimbursed up to the applicable per diem
rate.
12.4 Changes of Permanent Schedules
All changes to permanent working schedules shall provide those Employees affected at least
fourteen (14) calendar days' notice of any such change, except in unforeseen emergency
situations or when the Employees waive the need for notice, or they will be paid at time and
one-half (1.5) the Employee's regular rate of pay for hours worked during the notice period.
ARTICLE 13 - HOLIDAYS
13.1. Recognized Holidays with Pay
Exccpt for Firefighters, thoThe following days will be recognized as holidays with pay for all
Employees in full and part-time positions.
New Year's Day
President's Day
Seward's Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Alaska Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving Day
Day after Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Eve Day
Christmas Day
and such other days as may be proclaimed by the Mayor, Governor, or President. Each full-time employee
shall also have one floating holiday per year, which may be scheduled with department head approval. A
floating holiday in any calendar year not taken by December 31 will be forfeited.
42
172
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
13.2 Holiday Falling on a Regular Day Off
When a recognized holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday shall be recognized as the
holiday. When a recognized holiday falls on a Sunday, the Monday following shall be recognized
as the holiday. When a full-time Employee's regularly scheduled time off falls on a recognized
holiday, the City Administration shall allow, if scheduling permits, that Employee to take
another day off during the pay period as the Employee's recognized holiday. In such a case, the
Employee's timesheet will reflect the holiday on the alternate date, with all other compensable
time recorded as per the Employee's normal Schedule.
If the Employee is unable to take the time off, the Employee shall be compensated with regular
pay equivalent to the number of hours in an Employee's regular shift in lieu of the holiday. The
hours will be recorded on the Employee's timesheet on the date of the recognized holiday. This
payment is in addition to and does not impact pay (wages) for hours actually worked during the
pay period, whether hours actually worked include a recognized holiday (Section 13.1) or
regularly scheduled workdays. This may result in holiday hours entered for a normal day off
with no compensable time or holiday hours recorded in addition to actual hours worked on the
date of the recognized holiday.
13.3 Computation of Holiday Pay
1. Full -Time Employees: Full-time employees shall receive their regular straight time rate
of pay for recognized holidays.
a. The number of hours included in holiday pay is equal to the number of hours worked
in an Employee's assigned shift and shall be paid at the shift differential of the shift
the employee worked.
b. In the event the employee is scheduled off, the employee shall be paid 8 hours of
holiday pay.
2. Part -Time Employees: Part-time employees shall receive pay for recognized holidays
based on their position's percentage of a full-time position.
a. The number of hours included in holiday pay is equal to the number of hours
worked in an Employee's assigned -shift and shall be paid at the shift
differential of the shift the employee worked.
b. In the event the employee is scheduled off, the employee shall be paid 8 hours
of holiday pay.
3. Holiday during Paid Time Off: A recognized holiday occurring during an Employee's PTO
leave shall not be counted as a day of PTO leave.
43
173
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
13.4 Forfeiture of Holiday Pay
Employees shall forfeit their right to payment for any holiday if they are on leave without pay
(to include injury, military, or other non-compensable leave status) or have an unexcused
absence on the Employee's last regularly scheduled workday before such holiday or on the
Employee's next regularly -scheduled workday following such holiday.
ARTICLE 14 - PAID TIME OFF/LEAVE
14.1 Paid Time Off ("PTO")
1. Annual leave shall be used for any and all purposes for which sick and/or annual
leave has heretofore been used.
2. Requests for Time Off
a. Requests to take Annual leave for other than illness or injury must be requested in
writing and require written approval. Leave requests require the prior written
approval of the supervisor before any leave is taken. Employees in a probationary
status status may only take personal leave if the leave was approved prior to hire,
(or) with Department Head approval, (or) if the leave is due to injury or illness as
described in Subsection 3 below. arc not eligible to take personal (cove (unless
the request was approved prior to hire or the I ave is requested due to illness or
injury as described in Subsection 3 below).
b. Employee requests to take Annual leave shall be given full consideration and, to the
extent practicable, approved. However, the parties agree that the final decision
with regard to approval or disapproval of any request shall be based on the
supervisor's determination of operational needs. The employee's supervisor shall
respond to an Employee's request for time off within fourteen (14) calendar days for
leave requested thirty (30) days in advance. In the event of multiple requests for the
same timeframe, the Department Head may consider the Employee's seniority.
c. Annual leave may not be approved for Employees following notice of intended
resignation and Employees may not without permission of the Department Head be
kept on leave status to "run out" their PTO balance prior to termination.
d. Annual leave must be pre -approved, and therefore cannot be used in lieu of
tardiness or for a same -day request, except as noted in Subsection 3 below.
3. Requests for time off due to illness and injury.
a. When an Employee needs to use Annual leave for illness or injury, the Employee
shall notify the supervisor of their expected absence not later than the start of
44
174
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
the Employee's scheduled shift.
b. When a member takes three (3) or more consecutive workdays of Annual leave
due to an illness or injury (not necessarily consecutive calendar days), the
supervisor shall require the member to provide a physician's certificate stating the
reason for the absence.
14.2 Leave Accrual Rate
1. All Regular Employees holding permanent or probationary status will accrue leave as
follows:
Years of Services Hours Per Year Hours Pay Period
0 — 2 160 6.15
3 — 5 200 7.69
6 — 9 240 9.23
10 — 14 303.33 11.67
15 + 347.1 13.35
2. The minimum numbers of hours of annual leave that must be taken yearly are as
follows:
a. For personnel with less than three years of service, 40 hours of leave must be
used.
b. For personnel with three to six years of service, 60 hours of leave must be used.
c. For personnel with six years of service or more, 80 hours of leave must be used.
d. These limitations shall not apply to new employees until January 1 of the second
calendar year following the hire's date.
3. It shall be the responsibility of the department head to see that each employee under the
supervisor's supervision has taken the minimum annual hours of leave required by this section.
The department head shall provide in writing to the city manager the reasons an employee in the
supervisor's department failed to take the minimum annual leave hours required. Such The
documentation letter shall be made a part of the personnel file of the employee in question. The
city manager may waive these leave use requirements.
4. Probationary employees may use their leave with the department of head approval
5. Leave does not accrue during periods of leave without pay
14.3 Leave Anniversary Date
45
175
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
Changes in the leave accrual rate take effect on the first day of the pay period immediately
following the date on which the Employee completes the prescribed period of service.
14.4 Maximum Accrual
The maximum leave which may be in annual leave balance is 720 hours.
14.5 Payment of PTO upon Termination
Upon separation during initial probation, PTO shall not be granted or paid the employee. In
other separations, the PTO balance shall be paid in a lump sum based on the employee's
regular rate of pay.
14.6 PTO Leave Cash -Out
Any employee who has a balance of more than 240 hours of annual leave may submit a request to cash -in
any number of annual leave hours at the employee's regular rate of pay so that the balance of remaining
leave does not reduce the leave balance below 240 hours. An employee may submit such leave cash -in
requests no more than twice in any given fiscal year. In documented cases of unforeseen financial
emergencies, consistent with city policies of deferred compensation cash -in, the city manager may
authorize the city to purchase an employee's annual leave at his/her the employee's regular rate of pay,
provided that in no case shall a cash -in be allowed to reduce an employee's annual leave balance below 40
hours.
14.7 Donated Leave
Donation of annual Ic\avc to another employee will bc allowed in cases of serious, unforcsccn
medical emergency circumstances and upon approval by thc city manager. The value of the
donated Icive time will be computed at thc regular rate of pay of the donating employee and
converted into hours of equal value based upon thc regular rate of pay of thc receiving
employee. All guidelines set forth by thc city manager shall bc observed. Employees may
request donations of annual leave when a necessitated absence from work extends beyond the
amount of personal leave an employee has available. Such requests shall be made to the City
Manager and are subject to City Manager approval.
a. The criteria for what events necessitate an absence from work shall include any
FMLA qualifying event and any other event the City manager deems to be a
qualifying event.
b. Upon a request for donated leave being approved by the City Manager, an email
shall be distributed to all City employees requesting donated leave. The request
shall include, but not be limited to, the employee's name, position, and general
reason for the need for additional leave. No request shall be sent without the
46
176
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
employee's prior approval. No confidential information shall be required for the
email.
c. No employee shall be required to donate leave for any request. All donations shall
be voluntary.
d. Donated leave shall not count towards minimum leave use requirements.
e. The value of the donated leave time will be computed at the regular rate of pay of
the donating employee and converted into hours of equal value based upon the
regular rate of pay of the receiving employee.
14.8 Military Leave
Employees shall be entitled to military leave in accordance with State law, including but not
limited to AS 39.20.340, and Federal law, including but not limited to USERRA.
A. Absence from city duty for the purpose of participating as a member of a United
States reserve component, either in active military service of the state or in military
training, is authorized and will be treated administratively in such manner that the
individual will not suffer a decrease in income or a loss of benefits during the first 30
days of the military active duty or training period.
B. The city manager will be provided with a copy of the individual's orders to duty
C. The absence will be recorded during the first thirty calendar days as
administrative leave without charge to annual leave.
D. The city will pay the difference between the amount paid by the military, excluding
allowances, and the sum the employee would have received for city work during the
same period at the regular rate.
E. An employee called to active duty for a period exceeding 30 calendar days shall
be granted a leave of absence without pay for a period terminating 90 calendar
days beyond termination of such active duty.
14.9 Worker's Compensation
1. An employee injured in the line of duty shall be entitled to workers' compensation pay
from the city's insurance carrier without deduction from annual leave balance for up to
six weeks. During the six weeks, the city shall pay the difference between what the
employee receives from the insurance carries and the amount the employee would
have received working 40 hours at their base rate. Retirement benefits, annual leave
accrual, and medical insurance coverage shall continue.
2. After six weeks have expired, the employee may elect to use annual leave. At that time
the employee will retain his/her insurance workers' compensation benefits. While on
annual leave, retirement benefits, annual leave accrual, and medical insurance coverage
47
177
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
shall continue.
3. After all annual leave has expired, or if the employee elects not to use annual leave, the
employee will receive only insurance workers' compensation benefits and will be
considered on leave without pay from the city. While on leave without pay, retirement
benefits and annual leave accrual are suspended, but medical insurance coverage
continues. This is to be in effect until a doctor's statement is submitted advising that the
employee is physically fit and capable to perform his/her job description with or without
reasonable accommodations.
14.10 Jury Duty / Court Leave
Jury Duty shall be treated as administrative leave (with pay) from the City. Services in court
when subpoenaed as a witness on behalf of the City, or when called as an expert on a matter of
City concern, or relating to a municipal function, will be treated the same as jury duty. In order
to be entitled to jury duty leave, the Employee shall provide the department head with written
proof of the requirement of his/her presence for the hours claimed. Fees paid by the court
(other than travel and subsistence allowance) will be turned in to the City, except the fees paid
for court duty which occurs on the Employee's normal non -work days may be retained by the
Employee. Witness service for any purpose other than those described above will be covered
by annual leave or leave without pay and any fees received in this connection may be retained
by the Employee.
Employees serving on jury duty during their regular time off will be allowed to flex the time to
their regular work week or receive overtime pay at the discretion of the department head.
14.11 Leave Without Pay
1. Leave without pay may be granted to an employee upon recommendation of the
department head and approval of the city manager.
2. Each request for leave shall be considered in the light of the circumstances involved
and the needs of the city.
3. Leave without pay shall not be requested nor granted until all annual leave has been
exhausted, except when an employee is absent and drawing workers' compensation pay.
4. Normally, not more than 90 calendar days leave without pay may be granted for
personal reasons, unless the employee is on Family Medical Leave (FMLA).
5. No benefits will accrue while on leave without pay except medical insurance which will
continue to be paid as long as the employee is employed by the city.
14.12 Family and/or Medical Leave of Absence
48
178
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
The City shall comply with the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the State of
Alaska Family Leave Act (AFLA). FMLA and AFLA, when both are applicable, run concurrently,
and paid leave, when available, is charged during periods of approved family leave until
exhausted. During family leave, when the Employee is receiving no pay from the City, the
Employee is still responsible for remitting the Employee portion of any benefit -related charges
to maintain the benefit.
14.13 Bereavement Leave
Each full-time Employee shall be eligible for seven (7) consecutive working days of
leave for use upon the death of a member of the Employee's immediate family
limited to one time per calendar year. Such leave shall not be deducted from the
Employee's PTO account.
Leave without pay up to an additional five days will be granted and may be
extended with approval from the City Manager.
14.14 Definition of "Immediate Family"
As related to this section, "immediate family" means the following: spouse, father, mother,
brother, sister, son, daughter, grandfather and grandmother including adopted, step or foster,
and mothers and fathers-in-law and legal guardians. _
ARTICLE 15 - WORK RULES
15.1 Work Rules
The City shall have the right to establish and notify Employees of workplace policies,
procedures, and/or rules regarding any matter, and to require Employees to abide by such
policies, procedures, and/or rules, so long as such policies, procedures, and/or rules are not
inconsistent with any express provision of this Agreement. An arbitrator shall have no authority
to interpret, apply, add to, detract from, alter, amend, or modify such policies, procedures,
and/or rules.
15.2 Protection of Rights
An Employee shall not be required, in the performance of his or her duties, to violate any
federal, state, or local law. In performing his or her duties, an Employee shall comply with all
applicable federal, state, and local laws.
1. Each Employee is required to act with due care and regard for Employee's own safety
and that of fellow Employees and to respect the person and property of other
Employees and persons.
2. The City agrees that it will not deduct the cost of lost, missing, stolen, or damaged
49
179
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
property belonging to the City from an Employee's pay, provided the loss or damage
was not willfully or negligently caused by or through the actions of the Employee.
3. It is recognized that GPS in City vehicles is a valuable and necessary safety tool.
a. GPS tracking shall not be used to initiate any formal action, including discipline,
demotion, or discharge. GPS tracking shall not be solely used to begin an investigation.
b. GPS tracking can be used to further an investigation already in progress. GPS
tracking may also be used for health and safety purposes, such as to locate a City vehicle
when the driver has missed security check -ins, when a City vehicle has been involved in an
accident, or to resolve a citizen's formal written driving complaint involving a City vehicle.
c. For good cause shown, City and SPEA shall have the right to review all GPS tracking
records of all City vehicles for the time period under investigation.
15.3 Non -Discrimination
1. Employees shall not be discriminated against with respect to compensation or terms or conditions
of employment because of race, national origin, color, age, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation,
gender identity, political affiliation, marital status, ancestry, disability, or status as a disabled
veteran.
2. The Employer and Union agree to comply with all state, federal, and local laws, rules, or
regulations prohibiting discrimination against any person with regard to all aspects of
employment or membership. Anti -discrimination laws shall take precedence over the terms of
this contract.
3. No Bargaining Unit Member shall be discriminated against for upholding lawful union activities.
Employees, who serve on an SPEA committee or committees or serve as Employee Representative
or as an officer of SPEA, shall not lose his/her position or be discriminated against for these
reasons.
15.4 Employee Indemnification
The City shall indemnify Employees as required by law.
15.5 No Polygraph or Lie Detector
The City agrees that it will not require, request, suggest, or cause any Employee, or applicants for employment,
to submit to examination by a polygraph or other kind of lie detector as defined by 29 U.S.C. 2001. No
examination by polygraph or other lie detector shall be used in any personnel decisions, including discipline,
discharge, or promotion. This does not prohibit legitimate polygraph use for law enforcement pre-
employment screening.
15.6 Outside Employment
No Employee shall be employed by or engage in work for an employer other than the City, including but not
limited to self-employment, during the Employee's work hours. Nor shall any Employee be employed in a
position that presents a conflict of interest in regard to the Employee's duties to the City. A conflict of interest
shall be defined as: 1) when the Employee's outside employment is likely to benefit from the Employee's
50
180
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
position with the City 2) when the outside employment is likely to cause the Employee's performance to
diminish and 3) when the Employee's City job duties involve regulating the proposed employer.
15.7 Unlawful Acts Prohibited
1. No Employee shall willfully, negligently, or corruptly make any false statement, certificate, mark,
rating, or report in regard to any test, certification, or appointment held or made, or in any
manner commit or attempt to commit any fraud with respect to reports, paperwork, or other
duties that are required of the Employee under this Agreement, City rules, policies, or procedures,
or federal, state, or local laws.
2. No person seeking appointment to, or promotion in, City service shall, either directly or indirectly,
give, promise, render, or pay any money, service, or other valuable thing to any person for, or on
account of, or in connection with, his or her test, appointment, proposed appointment,
promotion, or proposed promotion.
3. No Employee of the City, examiner, or other person shall defeat, deceive, or obstruct any person
in his or her right to examinations, eligibility certification, or appointment under these rules, or
furnish to any person any special or secret information for the purpose of affecting the rights or
prospects of any person with respect to employment in the City service.
4. Discrimination against any person in recruitment, examination, appointment, training,
promotion, retention, discipline, or any other aspects of personnel administration because of
political or religious opinions or affiliations or because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identification, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, or disability, except
where physical requirements constitute a bona fide occupational qualification necessary to
proper and efficient administration, is prohibited.
15.8 Gifts and Gratuities
1. It shall be the responsibility of each City Employee to remain free from indebtedness or favors
which would tend to create a conflict of interest between personal and official interests or might
reasonably be interpreted as affecting impartiality of the individual Employee. If an Employee is
tendered or offered a gift or gratuity which would, in the eyes of the public or public officials, be
construed to be an attempt to bribe, influence, or encourage special consideration with respect
to municipal operations, such offers shall be reported without delay to the Employee's immediate
supervisor who in turn will inform the Department Head.
2. If there should be any doubt whether a gift or gratuities is of such significance as to create undue
influence upon the Employee, the matter shall be reported to the Department Head. If any
Employee shall knowingly accept any gift or gratuity which creates undue influence or results in
special consideration which benefits the giver, the Employee is subject to progressive discipline,
up to and including dismissal for just cause.
15.9 Employment of Relatives
51
181
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
No person may be employed in any position supervised by a family member, provided this will not prevent
continued employment with the City of persons who are presently employed at the adoption hereof.
Additionally, family member shall not be placed in a position such that one member is required or authorized
to review the work, personnel documents, expense account, or time records of another family member. For
the purpose of this Section, a family member shall be defined as follows:
a. spouse; parents; step-parents; brothers, sisters, and their spouses; step- brothers, step -sisters,
and their spouses; children and their spouses; father-in-law; mother-in-law; sister-in-law;
brother-in-law; grandparents and their spouses; grandchildren and their spouses; step -children
and their spouses; grand -stepchildren and their children; aunts; uncles; nieces; and nephews.
b. If two Employees marry or otherwise become related (as defined by immediate family member),
neither of the Employees will be allowed to hold supervisory authority over the other one.
15.10 Political Activity
1. An Employee, who is elected as a member of the Seward City Council or to a state or national
elected political office, shall immediately resign from City employment. In this Section, "elected"
means the status of a candidate upon certification of a local election or at the time the candidate
is sworn into a state or national office following an election.
2. An Employee who is a political candidate for any elected office shall not conduct political activities
during work time or on City owned property. Use of City equipment to conduct any political or
personal activities is strictly prohibited.
ARTICLE 16 - SAFETY
16.1 Safety Rules
1. Safety rules, policies and procedures of the City, which the City may modify from time to
time, are incorporated by reference and made part of this Agreement. All Employees
must at all times comply with such safety rules, policies and procedures. Any Employee
who is injured on the job must make an immediate report to the Employee's supervisor,
no matter how slight the injury. Failure of an Employee to follow safety rules, including
the immediate reporting of injuries, may result in discipline up to and including dismissal
through the progressive discipline process.
2. The City and Union are mutually committed to the reasonable efforts to maintain safe and
healthful working conditions for all Employees. It shall not be a violation of this Agreement
or grounds for discipline or dismissal if an Employee, in good faith, refuses to work in/on what the
Employee reasonably believes to be unsafe conditions for his or her job which would subject the
Employee to serious injury or death. Whenever possible, an Employee must first seek from the
City a correction of the dangerous condition. Employees shall not knowingly continue to work in
what they know to be a dangerous condition.
52
182
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
3. An Employee who notices an unsafe work condition is mandated to report the unsafe
condition to their immediate supervisor. The immediate supervisor shall proceed to
copy the City's designated OSHA Safety Officer or Human Resources Administration.
16.2 Drug Testing
The City and Union agree that any drug and/or alcohol testing policy or procedure adopted by
the City Council or required by law shall be applicable to the Employees covered by this
Agreement. Failure of an Employee to comply with such policy or procedure shall be grounds
for discipline up to and including dismissal.
16.3 Safety Devices and Uniforms
The City shall provide all devices, apparel or equipment necessary for an Employee's safety in
accordance with applicable laws. Additionally, the City shall provide special tools, equipment,
clothing and uniforms it deems necessary to accomplish work assignments. All items provided
to Employees in accordance with this Section are the property of the City, may be used only for
official work purposes, and when practicable, shall remain in their place of employment at all
times that the property is not in use by the Employee and shall be returned in good working
order upon separation from City service.
ARTICLE 17 - BENEFITS
17.1 Health Insurance
1. The City will provide all full-time Employees and their qualified dependents a benefit
package in accordance with Council approved policies. Full-time Employees are those
Employees who are normally scheduled to work thirty (30) or more hours a week.
Employees are solely responsible for any personal tax liability incurred for said benefits.
a. Employees in positions exposed to unique hazards or which exhibit a proven risk for
the development of certain illnesses will be provided with medically recommended
immunizations or preventative screenings.
2. The City shall pay to the health insurance program, in the manner as determined by
Council for all Employees. If the City wishes to increase the employee health insurance
cost share, the parties will renegotiate the contribution amounts, if necessary.
17.2 Health Insurance Renewal or Replacement
1. The parties agree to discuss healthcare and health insurance renewal through the Labor
Management Committee in Article 2, Section 7.
a. The Labor Management Committee shall have access to analyses of current plan
53
183
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
administration, claims payment administration, benefit plan design and utilization conducted
by or for the City. A representative of the carrier and any paid consultant shall be available to
the Committee, as required. As a minimum, the City will provide, through either the carrier or
the Consultant, quarterly reports of utilization by the Cityemployees.
b. The Labor Management Committee may, by majority vote, make recommendations for changes
to the City Manager concerning anyprovision of efficient, effective health care benefits
including but not limited to utilization review, pre -certification requirements, cost containment
measures, employee education and preferred provider arrangements.
c. Within ten (10) working days of receipt of all health insurance options each year the City w+l-I-
shall provide a copy of the options received to the Union Labor Management Committee. The
City shall-w-I1 review the options with the Labor Management Committee Union prior to
reviewing or replacing the health insurance program.
17.3 Annual Retention Bonus
1. All regular Employees, after completion of one (1) years' service equal to two thousand
and eighty (2,080) hours, shall be paid Annual pay at the rate of one and a half percent
(1.5%) of the employee's regular salary. Annual pay shall be paid oncc each ycw on the
first pay day of December.
2. All regular Employees, after completion of five (5) years' service equal to ten thousand
and four hundred (10,400) hours, shall see the Annual pay rate increase to two percent
f2%) of the employee's regular salary.
3. All regular Employees, after completion of ten (10) years' service equal to twenty
thousand and eight hundred hours (20,800) hours, shall see the Annual pay rate increase
to two and a half (2.5%) of the employee's regular salary.
4. All regular Employees, after completion of fifteen (15) years' service equal to thirty-one
thousand and two hundred (31,200) hours, shall see the Annual pay rate increase to
three percent (3%) of the employee's regular salary.
5. All regular Employees, after completion of twenty (20) years' service equal to forty-one
thousand and six hundred (41,600) hours, shall see the Annual Pay rate increase to three
and a half percent (3.5%) of the employee's regular salary.
6. All regular Employees, after completion of twenty-five (25) years' service equal to fifty-
two thousand (52,000) hours, shall see the Annual pay rate increase to four percent (4%)
of the employee's regular salary.
7. Any break in City employment longer than thirty (30) calendar days will advance the
eligibility date by the number of days in excess of thirty (30). Time served as a
temporary Employee shall not be included.
54
184
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
2,8. Annual pay shall be paid once each year on the first pay day of December.
17.4 Retirement
1. The City has in effect a retirement plan with the Public Employees Retirement System
(PERS) for all eligible City Employees included in this Agreement.
17.5 Training/Professional Development
1. The City and Union agree that education and training may enhance an Employee's job
performance and prepare the Employee for career advancement within the City. To that
end, the City and Union encourage Employees to take advantage of City -sponsored
training and/or professional development programs.
2. Department Heads shall provide active leadership in developing the Employees under
their supervision. In this capacity, they shall:
a. Cooperate closely with the city manager in determining the current and future
employee development needs in the department.
b. Participate with the city manager in developing and implementing employee
development programs
c. Budget sufficient funds to secure needed career development programs
d. Evaluate the effectiveness of completed career development programs and make
recommendations for improvement where appropriate
e. Assure that Employees are provided with sufficient time to participate in career
development programs.
ARTICLE 18 - LEGAL TRUST FUND
18.1 Legal Trust Fund for Bargaining Unit Members
In addition to the wages paid per Article 11, the Employer agrees to pay the Alaska Public Employees
Association/AFT Legal Trust Fund (hereinafter the Fund) $12.00 per month per Bargaining Unit Member in pay
status in the month in which the contribution is made.
1. The Employer will remit the amount due for the previous month to the Fund by the tenth (10th) of
each month.
55
185
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
2. The Fund will be sponsored and administered by APEA/AFT and the Employer will have no voice in
the amount or type of service provided by this plan, however, services must be equally available to
bargaining unit members, regardless of union membership, and will not be used in actions involving
or in a position adverse to the City of Seward. The Fund will attempt to obtain the maximum
service possible for the employees.
3. This Article confers only the right to demand and enforce payment of the required contributions.
Failure by the City to remit the required contribution does not give rise to any grievance or cause of
action by SPEA, its members or any other person for other harm or damages that might result from
the failure to remit the required contribution. The provision or retention of legal assistance under
this Article is the sole and exclusive responsibility of SPEA and/or the member. Unless such actions
are taken to demand and enforce payment by the City of the required contributions, SPEA agrees
to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the City against any and all legal actions, orders, judgments
or other decisions rendered in any proceeding as a result of the implementation of this Article.
ARTICLE 198 - STRIKE/LOCKOUT/WORKSTOPPAGE/PICKET LINE
19.1 Strike/Lockout
The parties agree that there shall be no strikes, work stoppages, or lockouts during the life of
this Agreement.
184 19.2 Picket Lines
The parties agree that it shall be a violation of this Agreement and it shall be cause for
disciplinary action in the event an Employee refuses to go through or work behind any picket
line. The City specifically retains all of its rights under AS 23.40.200.
ARTICLE 201-9 - GENERAL PROVISIONS
20.1 Duration
This Agreement shall become effective January 1, 2026 3-and shall continue in full force and effect through
midnight, December 31, 20285. Thereafter, it shall automatically renew itself and continue in full force and
effect from year to year unless written notice of election to terminate or modify any provision of this
Agreement is given by one party not later than January 1st of any succeeding year.
20.2 Severability
1. Violations: If any term or provision of this Agreement is, at any time during the life of
this Agreement, adjudged by a court or administrative body of competent jurisdiction to
conflict with any law, such term or provision shall become invalid and unenforceable,
but such invalidity or unenforceability shall not impair or affect any other term or
56
186
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
provision of this Agreement.
2. Replacement: If a determination or decision is made pursuant to Subsection 1 of this
Article that part of this Agreement is found to be in violation of law, the parties to this
Agreement shall convene for the purpose of negotiating a satisfactory substitute for the
invalidated article, section or portion thereof.
3. Printing of the Agreement: The parties agree that a Union representative and a person
appointed by the City will meet and mutually agree on the format, size, and
specifications of the Agreement to be printed. The Union shall print or be responsible
for the printing of the Agreement. The parties will designate the number of copies of the
Agreement each desire and each party will be responsible for the cost involved in
printing that number of copies.
20.3 Waiver of Bargaining Rights and Amendments to Agreement
During the negotiations resulting in this Agreement, the City and the Union each had the
unlimited right and opportunity to make demands and proposals with respect to any subject
matter as to which the Alaska Public Employment Relations Act imposes an obligation to
bargain. This Agreement contains the entire understanding, undertaking, and agreement of the
City and the Union, after exercise of the right and opportunity referred to in the first sentence
of this Section, and finally determines all matters of collective bargaining for its term.
20.4 Changes to Agreement
This Agreement may be amended with the mutual consent of the parties. Changes in this
Agreement, whether by addition, deletion, amended or modification, must be reduced to
writing and extended by both the City and Union in the form of a Letter of Agreement.
57
187
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
np ndix n
esitionr Eligible for I Inion Rcprescntation
Accounting S
Accounting Technician I (Payroll}
Accounting Technician II (A/P}
Accounting Technician II (Utility}
Accounting Tcchnician 114
Administrative Assistant Recreation
Animal Control Officcr
Building Inspector
Corporal
Corrcctions Officer
Corrcctions Sergeant
Curator
Custodian Municipal Buildings
Dispatch Supervisor
Dispatcher
DMV Clcrk
Executive Assistant
(Fire/PW/Parks/Electric/Harbor/Clerk/)
Fire/Building Inspector
Harbor Workcr II
Harbor Workcr III
Maintenance Mechanic Operator
MIS Tcch
Office Manager Harbor
Part time Animal Control Assistant
Part time Library/Museum
Patrol Officcr
Patrol Sergeant
Planning Technician
Program Coordinator (Campground/Recreation}
Scnior Computer Tcchnician
Shop Foreman
Technician
Water/Wastewater Foreman
Watcr/Wastewater Operator
58
188
Resolution 2025-098
SPEA Collective Bargaining Agreement 2026-2028
APPENDIX AB SALARY SCHEDULE FOR 20263 PAY RANGES
with COLA
FY26 3% COLA Increase
Grade
BPS
PS
Longevity Steps
Grade
A B 1 C D E F G H I 3 K L MNIOP
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1
Seasonals 17 & under Campground & Park Maint Aides
20.19
20.69
21.21
21.74
22.29
22.84
23.41
24.00
24.60
25.21
25.84
26.49
27.15
27.83
28.53
29.24
29.83
30.42
31.03
31.65
32.28
32.93
33.59
1
2
Seasonals 18 & up. Firefighter.' EMT
21.81
22.35
22.91
23.48
24.07
24.67
25.29
25.92
26.57
27.23
27.91
28.61
29.33
30.06
30.81
31.5S
32.21
32.86
33.51
34.18
34.87
35.56
36.28
2
3
Building Custodian. Fire Apparatus Operator . Recreational
Specialist Program Assistant Teen Rec Room
23.55
24.14
24.74
25.36
25.99
26.64
27.31
27.99
28.69
29.41
30.15
30.90
31.67
32.46
33.28
34.11
34.79
35.48
36.19
36.92
37.66
38.41
39.18
3
4
Acct Tech Utility Cashier. DMV Clerk. Electric Utility Cashier.
Fire Lieutenant Library Aide. Library Technician
25.43
26.07
26.72
27.39
28.07
28.78
29.50
30.23
30.99
31.76
32.56
33.37
34.21
35.06
35.94
36.84
37.57
38.32
39.09
39.87
40.67
41.48
42.31
4
5
ACO Assistant. Campground Coordinator. Executive
Assistant Sports & Rec Manager
27.47
28.16
28.86
29.58
30.32
31.08
31.85
32.65
33.47
34.30
35.16
36.04
36.94
37.87
38.81
39.78
40.58
41.39
42.22
43.06
43.92
44.80
45.70
5
6
Accounts Payable, Assistant to Chief, Firefighter..'EMT,
Harbor Office Manager. Park Maintenance Supervisor.
nti_..11 T,.,-1. Mil r..�1. w l Ill (ITT
29.67
30.41
31.17
31.95
32.75
33.56
34.40
35.26
36.14
37.05
37.97
38.92
39.90
40.89
41.92
42.96
43.82
44.70
45.59
46.51
47.44
48.39
49.35
6
7
ACO Supervisor. Accounting Tech II. Curator. Dispatcher.
Electric Office Manager. Firefighter Engineer, Harbor
Worker II. Library Deputy Director. Maintenance Mechanic.
wiWr,.....1r
32.04
32.84
33.66
34.50
35.37
36.25
37.16
38.08
39.04
40.01
41.01
42.04
43.09
44.17
45.27
46.40
47.33
48.28
49.24
50.23
51.23
52.26
53.30
7
8
Accounting Tech III. Deputy City Clerk, Dispatch Supervisor.
Habor Worker III. IT Tech. Shop Foreman. Street Foreman,
wj w1.._..l Ir
34.60
35.47
36.35
37.26
38.19
39.15
40.13
41.13
42.16
43.21
44.29
45.40
46.54
47.70
48.89
50.11
51.12
52.14
53.1S
54.25
55.33
56.44
57.57
8
9
Building Official. Fire Marshal, P&R Deputy Director, Patrol
Officer. Senior Accountant
37.37
38.30
39.26
40.24
41.25
42.28
43.34
44.42
45.53
46.67
47.84
49.03
50.26
51.52
52.80
54.12
55.21
56.31
57.44
58.58
59.76
60.95
62.17
9
10
Planner. Senior IT Tech, W; W Foreman
40.36
41.37
42.40
43.46
44.55
45.66
46.81
47.98
49.17
50.40
51.66
52.96
54.28
55.64
57.03
58.45
59.62
60.81
62.03
63.27
64.54
65.83
67.14
10
11
Deputy Harbormaster. HR Manager. Patrol Sgt
43.59
44.68
45.80
46.94
48.11
49.32
50.55
51.81
53.11
54.44
55.80
57.19
58.62
60.09
61.59
63.13
64.39
65.68 I
66.99
68.33
69.70
71.09
72.52
11
12
Community Development Director, Deputy Finance Director,
IT Director. Library Museum Director. P&R Director
47.08
48.25
49.46
50.70
51.96
53.26
54.59
55.96
57.36
58.79
60.26
61.77
63.31
64.89
66.52
68.1S
69.54
70.93
72.35
73.80
75.28
76.78
78.32
12
13
Deputy City Manager, Deputy Fire Chief. Deputy Police
Chief, Harbormaster Electric Ops Supervisor
50.84
52.11
53.42
54.75
56.12
57.52
58.96
60.44
61.95
63.49
65.08
66.71
68.38
70.09
71.84
73.63
75.11
76.61
76.14
79.70
81.30
82.92
84.58
13
14
Electric General Manager. Finance Director, Fire Chief,
Police Chief. Public Works Director
54.91
56.28
57.69
59.13
60.61
62.12
63.68
65.27
66.90
68.57
70.29
72.05
73.85
75.69
77.59
79.53
81.12
82.74
84.39
86.08
87.80
89.56
91.35
14
'Firefighter 24 lir shifts
2YRS 4YRS 6YRS 8YRS 10YRS 12YRS 14YRS
Longevity Steps
• When an employee reaches the longevity steps of their assigned pay level. the employee shall remain at each step for two (or more) years.
• When the employee completes two (or more) years at each step the employee moves to the next step. provided the employee received an overall rating of
satisfactory or higher on the employee's performance evaluation and worked continously as a regular fulltime or part-time employee.
• Eniployees in longevity are prohibited from skipping steps and must remain at each step as indi.
189
November and December Meetings
Date: October 13, 2025
From: Kat Sorensen, City Manager
Through: Kris Peck, City Clerk
RE: Discuss adjustments to the regular City Council meetings in November and
December
BACKGROUND
Regular meetings of the city council are held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at
7:00 p.m.
The November 10, 2025 City Council meeting takes place the day before Veterans Day Holiday.
The November 24, 2025 City Council meeting takes place the week of Thanksgiving Holidays.
The December 8, 2025 City Council meeting takes place during the popular AML Conference in
Anchorage.
The December 22, 2025 City Council meeting takes place the week of Christmas Holidays and is
traditionally cancelled.
CONSIDERATIONS
The City Manager has proposed having just one meeting in November and one meeting in
December.
Monday, November 17, 2025
Monday, December 15, 2025
POSSIBLE ACTION
If council wishes to have one meeting on November 17 and one meeting on December 15, a
motion/second and affirmative vote of four would be required.
190
To the Mayor, City Council, City Administration, and the Seward Community,
I want to let you know in advance that I will be absent from three upcoming City
Council meetings because of work -related travel and commitments. The dates and
reasons are:
• October 13, 2025 — Attending an early childhood conference focused on
supporting families.
• October 27, 2025 — Sitting on a panel with thread and the Alaska Community
Foundation to share Seward's successes and challenges in the child care industry.
• November 10, 2025 — Attending another early childhood conference that is
focused on system improvements.
While I regret missing three meetings in a row, these events are directly tied to the
work I do every day in Seward and across Alaska. They give me the chance to
highlight our community's efforts, learn from others, and bring back ideas and
connections that will benefit Seward in the long run.
I know the trust you've placed in me comes with the responsibility to show up and
represent you. I don't take that lightly. Even when I can't be at the council dais, I
am still working for Seward and making sure our community has a voice in bigger
conversations about families, child care, and our economy.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
Respectfully,
Casie Warner
Council Member, City of Seward
191
Dear Mayor, Council, and Administration,
I want to provide context and a reminder regarding the presentation by Project HOPE
scheduled for the Monday, October 13th City Council meeting. This presentation was
originally initiated by the Council following our discussion earlier this year about a fatal
opioid overdose in our community. During that conversation, the Council agreed that we
need to take a closer look at how our city can improve accessibility and availability of
preventative measures, such as NARCAN (naloxone) kits, for individuals who may need
to have these life saving tools readily available.
Project HOPE's presentation is a continuation of that discussion and an opportunity to
learn more about the initiatives and collaborative approaches they offer to strengthen
community level response and harm reduction strategies.
As a reminder, Council had an open conversation about exploring the placement of a
publicly accessible box stocked with NARCAN kits, potentially at the Harbormaster's
Office and other community spaces, so individuals could access these kits without
barriers such as judgment, limited hours, or procedural requirements. We also discussed
how current local access points can create obstacles.
For example:
1. Individuals currently must go into public spaces like the grocery store to request
NARCAN kits, where the interaction may feel stigmatizing and the kits may come at a
personal cost.
2. The emergency room remains one of the few locations where NARCAN kits are
available 24/7, but this also presents challenges, as some may avoid seeking help in such
a public and clinical environment.
Our goal in initiating this presentation was to identify practical, stigma free solutions for
making NARCAN more accessible to anyone who needs it. Project HOPE's participation
is a step toward implementing the harm reduction and prevention measures we discussed
as a Council.
Thank you for keeping this context in mind during their presentation and for continuing
to prioritize community safety, dignity, and compassion in our response to the opioid
crisis.
Respectfully,
Casie Warner
Council Member, City of Seward
192
PWSRCAC Update
Prince William Sound Regional Citizen's Advisory Council
City of Seward Representative Mike Brittain
October 2025
Attached is a pdf of the highlights of the September meeting of the PWSRCAC in Cordova.
If you could please disseminate this email to the Council I would appreciate it.
It was another interesting meeting that ran the gamut of subjects, from the upgrading of
tanker engine rooms to weather buoys to dispersants to secondary containment liners for
the storage tanks at the Valdez terminal. It is this last item that consumed the most attention,
and you may have noticed it in the Anchorage paper and on public radio.lt is also the most
concerning issue as it can lead directly to a major spill if there is a breach in a tank.
On a personal note, I have joined a couple of the subcommittees since last year. I now sit on
the OSPR (Oil S[ill Prevention and Response) committee (think 'spill drill') and have newly
joined the TOEM (Terminal Operations and Environmental Monitoring) committee. The
TOEM committee is the one that is dealing with the tank farm/liner situation. BTW, the tanks
were built in 1977 with a planned 20-year lifespan...48 years ago, Each tank holds over
500,000 barrels of crude oil, twice as much as was spilled in 1989.
I will keep the Council apprised of the situation.
That's it for now. I'll keep you apprised of any developments. Any questions welcomed.
Mike Brittain
193
Highlights from the September 2025
Board of Directors meeting
The Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council held a meeting on
September 18 & 19, 2025. The following is a synopsis of actions and discussions
that took place at that two-day meeting. This report is not all inclusive.
�`..,1Ct LUA1Vj SaGti
Q 4
AC
REGIONAL CITIZENS' ADVISORY COUNCIL
Report from Alyeska Pipeline Service Company
Andres Morales, Alyeska's Emergency Preparedness and Response Director, updated the Board on recent
activities and operations at Alyeska and their Ship Escort Response Vessel System, or SERVS. Highlights
from his presentation include:
• Tanker One Plan: Currently, each tanker company or shipper that carries oil from the Valdez
Marine Terminal, or VMT, has their own individual vessel contingency plans. That is in addition to a
combined contingency plan that details oil spill prevention and response capabilities for the
vessels. These companies are working with Alyeska to transfer administration of the combined
plan from the shippers to Alyeska. This proposal is known as the Tanker One Plan. The goal is to
simplify management of the plan and ensure consistent and reliable spill prevention and response
that includes any foreign -flagged tankers shipping oil through Prince William Sound.
Only the administration responsibilities and the organization of the contents of the combined plan
will change. Alyeska currently manages an oil spill response for the first 72 hours and then hands
off management of the response to the company whose tanker spilled the oil, also known as the
responsible party. Under the proposed Tanker One Plan, Alyeska would maintain management of
the response, in partnership with representatives from the responsible party. Vessel operators will
still have to submit individual vessel contingency plans while operating under the Tanker One
Plan. The Council is monitoring these changes and will be analyzing additional details as they
become available.
• Workforce reorganization: Alyeska is reviewing personnel and job duties along the Trans Alaska
Pipeline System, or TAPS, with the goal of reducing its workforce by 60 positions system -wide, or
8% of their staff. The review is expected to be completed by the end of October and the workforce
reduction implemented by January 1, 2026.
Alaska Tanker Company engine upgrades
Karen Hays and Steven Cooley of Alaska Tanker Company, or ATC, gave a presentation on the company's
upgrades to their tankers, including a more fuel -efficient system for their engines with updated
technology that reduces emissions. The upgrades have been completed on the Alaskan Frontier, and the
Alaskan Navigator and Alaskan Legend are scheduled to be completed by September 2026. Additional
highlights include:
• Propulsion control systems upgraded to significantly newer technology, including new software
and fiber optic cables for improved communication.
• New, updated tank radar to monitor cargo in the tanks.
• Access to Foss Maritime 24-hour Weather Monitoring Center.
Additional details are available in the slides on our website: www.tinyurl.com/ATC-upgrades (PDF)
`Directors Page 1
194
Development of Oil Spill Response Strategies for Copper River Area
The Board heard an update from staff member Jeremy Robida and contractor Elise Decola of Nuka
Research & Planning Group about a project to update Geographic Response Strategies, or GRS, for the
Copper River Delta Flats. GRS are map -based oil spill response plans tailored to protect specific
environmentally sensitive areas. The Copper River Delta hosts numerous species, cultural sites, and
important fisheries and is deserving of pre -incident planning. It is also a challenging operational area with
high energy beaches, shallow tidal waters and ever -changing channels, barrier islands, and braided river
drainages. The Council is leading a workgroup to update previous GRS work for this area that was
completed in the late 1990s. DeCola and Robida recently conducted site visits to the area to gather
information necessary to update the plans. Local interest in this project is high and many of those
involved in the workgroup meetings are from Cordova.
Details are available in the slides on our website: www.tinyurl.com/CRDF-GRS (PDF)
Mariner training at Teekay Tankers
Manmeet Chhabra and Nicholas Schneider of Teekay Tankers gave a presentation about the company's
training program for mariners on their tankers who call at the VMT. Teekay's foreign -flagged tankers have
loaded crude oil at the VMT and shipped oil through Prince William Sound numerous times since 2016.
Chhabra and Schneider summarized regular training the mariners receive prior to arrival, along with
additional guidance specific to Prince William Sound. He noted required documentation that is available
as well as onboard preparations, such as ensuring cold -weather gear is available; detailed planning for
safe passage that includes review of speed restrictions and anchoring locations; emergency
preparedness activities, such as participation in local drills and exercises; and escort tug requirements,
among other details.
Details are available in the presentation slides on our website: www.tinyurl.com/Teekay-training (PDF)
Report accepted: Subsistence Memorial Gathering Workshop
The Council accepted a report titled, "The 23rd Annual Subsistence Memorial Gathering Workshop," by
staff member Danielle Verna and Scientific Advisory Committee member Davin Holen of Alaska Sea
Grant.
The report summarizes a workshop held during the 23rd Annual Subsistence Memorial Gathering, an
event hosted by the Chugach Regional Resources Commission, or CRRC, on March 27, 2025.
The workshop was a partnership between the Council, CRRC, and Alaska Sea Grant. The goals of the
workshop were to bring together residents of the Chugach and Exxon Valdez oil spill region to share
stories, discuss concerns about past and future environmental impacts, and generate interest in locally
supported research.
Read the final report on our website: www.tinyurl.com/Gathering-Report
Highlights from September 2025 meeting of the PWS'R(AC Rnnrd of Directors Page 2
195
Report accepted: Alaska North Slope Crude Oil Properties
The Council accepted a report titled, "Review of the 2024 Alaska North Slope Oil Properties Relevant to
Environmental Assessment and Prediction," by Dr. Mery Fingas of Spill Science.
Dr. Fingas reported on an analysis for physical and chemical properties of a sample of 2024 Alaska North
Slope (ANS) crude oil performed by Environment and Climate Change Canada's laboratory. The Prince
William Sound tanker operators provide a sample to the Council every five years or so to track changes in
the oil's properties, and how those changes might impact mechanical oil spill response measures.
Changes in oil properties can also impact the effectiveness of non -mechanical response options such as
in -situ burning, and dispersants.
Dr Fingas noted that the sample's composition is more similar to the previous sample, analyzed in 2019,
than samples taken in 2015 and earlier. ANS crude oil has been trending lighter since around 2010, and
its properties are consistent with a "medium" weight oil. Compared to previous samples, the current
composition is less prone to emulsify, less dispersible as the oil weathers, and less adhesive to
shorelines.
More details are available in the final report on our website: www.tinyurl.com/Crude-Oil-2024
Dispersant stockpiles changing to new product
The Board heard an update about changes in the products used to disperse spilled oil. This change
stemmed from new protocols put in place by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, for
testing dispersants. The new requirements are part of the National Contingency Plan Subpar -Li
regulations for products available for use on oil spills.
Corexit 9500A, the product stockpiled in Alaska and elsewhere, will no longer be included on the EPA's list
of products that meet the new testing protocols after December 12, 2025. A new product, Dasic EcoSafe
OSD, is replacing Corexit in Alaska.
Additional details are available in the September meeting packet: www.tinyurl.com/Dispersants-Dasic
Report accepted: Inspection and Repairs to Tank 93
The Board accepted the report titled, "Review of Ballast Water Tank 93 Out -of -Service Inspection Report
and Tank Repairs," by Taku Engineering.
In this report, Bill Mott reviewed maintenance practices and provided recommendations for
improvements to help minimize the risk of an oil spill from ballast water storage tank number 93 at the
Valdez Marine Terminal. Mott noted that while Alyeska has made some positive improvements to prevent
corrosion, some concerns remain with how corrosion rates are monitored and calculated.
More details are available in the final report on our website: www.tinyurl.com/Tank-93
Highlights from September 2025 meeting of the PW' R(AC Rnnrd of Directors Page 3
196
Update on testing of secondary containment liner
Staff member Joe Lally gave an update on recently proposed changes by Alyeska on how they plan to test
or verify the integrity of the asphalt liners that surround the vast oil storage tanks at the VMT. These
nearly 50-year-old liners are part of the system intended to contain oil in case of a spill from a tank. The
liners are buried under earthen fill and are difficult to inspect. Alyeska and the Council have been working
to find a method of testing the liners to ensure they can adequately hold oil until it can be cleaned up.
Cracks and holes in the liner have been discovered when sections of the earthen fill have been removed
in the past.
In 2024, ADEC approved Alyeska's spill contingency plan for the VMT, but that approval came with
conditions. One of those conditions was that Alyeska must conduct further analysis to determine
whether the liners meet the sufficiently impermeable standard to contain a spill until it can be detected
and cleaned up, and before groundwater is contaminated. Alyeska recently proposed to switch their liner
testing method from an electrical leak location method to a hydraulic, or flooding, method of evaluation.
ADEC and the Council are currently assessing the new method proposed by Alyeska.
Project updates
Updates on all current projects: www.tinyurl.com/Projects-Sept-2025
Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council
Citizens promoting the environmentally safe operation of the Alyeska terminal and associated
tankers.
Mandated by congress, the Council was established to provide a voice for local citizens in decisions
that put their livelihoods and communities at risk. Communities and interest groups from Prince
William Sound to Kodiak Island to lower Cook Inlet are represented to promote partnership, build
trust, and provide oversight of the operations and maintenance practices which may affect the
environment.
www.pwsrcac.org
Questions? More information?
Any questions or requests for further information can be directed to:
Amanda Johnson: amanda.johnson@pwsrcac.org or Jennifer Fleming: fleming@pwsrcac.org
Board meetings are routinely recorded. Excerpts of the audio and/or video of agenda items can be
made available upon request.
Highlights from September 2025 meeting of the PW' R(AC Rnnrd of Directors Page 4
197
OilsSeward to the Future
CITY OF SEWARD, AK
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
VIEW
2025 Survey Analysis
THANK YOU, SEWARD!
1
Economy
Land Use
Quality of Life
Vision
Count 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400
Total Survey Responses
I
235
263
319
1379
• Surveys were open for 8 months
• 17196 total respondents provided input across the 4 surveys
• There were a total of 66 questions
■
198
Survey Results Overview
200
188
Residency Location of Survey Respondents
180 164 166
160
140
120
c 100
0
V 80
60
40
20
0
123 120
1
144
128
111
Inside City Limits Outside City Limits
13 8 7 4
Other
■ Vision ■ Quality of Life ■ Land Use — Economy
Percentage of Population Represented in the Surveys
*Based on Vision survey totals
Total population of the Seward/Bear Creek area: 4,296
Percentage represented in survey: 8.8%
Population inside city limits: 2,735
Percentage represented in survey: 6.8%
Population outside city limits:1,561
Percentage represented in survey:10.6%
2 199
c
0
V
Survey Results Overview
Age of Respondents
CO
M
CO
0-18 19-29 30-39 40-49 50-59
AG E
• Vision • Quality of Life • Land Use Economy
*75 students in Middle School responded to vision survey questions via paper responses
Percent of all
responses by age
70+
8%
0-18
6%
19-29
I I
60-69 70+
3
200
C
0
U
Survey Results Overview
o
co
1 2 3 4 5
# OF INDIVIDUALS IN HOUSEHOLD
• Vision • Quality of Life • Land Use Economy
Oco M
■ ■■■
6+
4 201
Vision Survey Overview
Overview
D379 responses
D5 questions
1) What are 1-5 adjectives that come to mind when you think of Seward?
2) Which of the following do you think positively contribute to Seward's
existing identity?
3) In your opinion, what community organizations and/or events are
part of what makes up Seward's identity?
4) What changes would you like to see in Seward in the future?
5) What do you hope never changes about Seward?
5
202
Vision Survey Results
What adjectives come
to mind when you
think of Seward?
welcoming caring
cliquey fun adventurous
rainy
• seasonal historic isolated
community
wet family -oriented
wild charming clean bl
e aut 1 u
homey
ocean unique quiet
tight -knit small
stunning scenic
picturesque bustling friendly nature
mountainous peaceful cozy
uivciac
expensive special wildlife outdoorsy
natural -beauty
•
safe active
touristy quaint vibrant
marine fishing
remote
recreation windy
rugged
*Larger text shows which words came up the most often in survey responses
6
203
Fourth ofJuly Events/
Mount Marathon Race
Vision Survey Results
In your opinion, what community organizations and/or
events are part of what makes Seward's identity?
Top Organizations /Events
# of mentions
201 Parks and Recreation
Dept / events
Arts 171
- Arts and Music Council
- Seward Music and Arts
Festival
- Murals/ Mural Society
- Holiday arts and craft fair
- First Fridays/Sip and paint
Harbor/Fishing Events 115
(charters, Salmon Derby)
Mid -ranking
Alaska SeaLife Center 73
Local businesses and 59
restaurants
Mermaid Festival
Chamber of Commerce
Nordic Ski Club
47
42
40
Seward Community 40
Foundation
Honorable Mentions
# of mentions
77 Museum and Library
Polar BearJump
School Events (athletics,
theater, etc)
# of mentions
34
34
33
Seward Pride Alliance 33
Kenai Fjords National Park 28
Seward Prevention Coalition 23
Local races (Lost Lake, Exit 21
Glacier Road, Pink Cheeks)
AVTEC
Which of the following do you think positively
contribute to Seward's existing identity?
Community friendliness
Community events and festivals
Historic preservation and assets
Community appearance
Community reputation
Arts and cultural amenities
Community appeal
Maintenance of public areas and properties
Landscaping of public areas and properties
Diversity of population
Community center and focal point
Character of entry points into the community
Natural beauty and recreation
Other
0
22
11
52
35
75
50 100
120
Count
132
177
177
162
161
147
231
248
150 200 250
7 204
Vision Survey Results
What we love about Seward
Sense of community Historic feel Small-town feel
Friendly atmosphere Waterfront Viewshed
Signature Seward events No traffic lights Fishing
Protection of natural and Downtown area Quiet winter
scenic areas
Art and culture events
Small local businesses
Community events / activities
Access to outdoor activities
What we would love to see
More focus on local, year-round Affordable housing
residents
Reduced electrical rates
More support for the schools
Zoning restrictions for short-term
A community gathering space rentals
More indoor recreation and family Better upkeep of properties and
entertainment activities businesses
Year-round businesses offering Balanced tourism
essential supplies/services
It,: fir(
205
8
Vision Survey Results
What we love about Seward
Natural beauty
Access to trails and beaches
Everything is in walking distance Safe and inclusive community
Good places to hang out (pavilion, Four -wheeling and dirt biking
Alaska Sea Life Center, teen and youth rec
room, Avtec gym) Sports
Small-town feel Restaurants
Good friends
Fishing
What we would love to see
Indoor recreation /entertainment Renewable energy
Fast food restaurants No littering / Environmental
protection
Stores
Lower prices
Dirt bike trails
Affordable housing
Funding for education
Jobs
Better roads
Mental and physical health help
206
Quality of Life Survey Overview
Overview
D
D
319 responses
24 questions
1) How long have you lived in Seward?
2) Do you see yourself living in Seward in 5 years? Explain
3) What healthcare services would you like to see improved in Seward?
4) Are you satisfied with the level of Police, Fire, and EMS services in
Seward?
5) When you call 911, how fast do you expect a Police, Fire, or EMS unit to
arrive?
6) Are you aware that ground transport EMS (ambulance) services from
Seward to Anchorage are not currently available in Seward?
7) The City of Seward should provide ground transport EMS services.
8) How could public safety efforts, in regard to Police, Fire, and EMS
services be improved?
9) Do you have school age children (K-12) living at home?
10) What do you feel are the biggest challenges Seward schools are
currently facing?
11) How do you find out what events and activities are happening in the
community?
12) How can Seward improve marketing events in the community?
13) Seward offers a variety of organized activities for: toddlers, elementary
age children, middle school age children, high school age children, college
students, adults, and seniors?
10 207
Quality of Life Survey Overview
Overview
14) What community events / activities do you wish were available in
Seward?
15) How do you prefer to receive news updates regarding city meetings
and work session for City Council and other Commissions and Boards?
16) Do you know the avenues through which you can be involved with city
decisions and policy making?
17) Do you involve yourself in city decisions and policy making?
18) What would help you participate more in local government discussions
and decision making processes?
19) Do you participate in the arts and culture activities / festivals currently
offered in Seward?
20) Seward needs more arts and culture activities?
21) What is a mural design you would like to see in Seward?
22) When considering the City of Seward's existing parks and recreation
opportunities, which of the following are strengths?
23) There are a variety of recreational opportunities available for me in the
summer: Indoors - Outdoors
24) There are a variety of recreational opportunities available for me in the
winter: Indoors - Outdoors
11
208
Quality of Life Survey Results
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
YEARS
LIVED IN
SEWARD
Do you see yourself living in Seward in 5 years?
16
1
38
12
46
•
63
18
1
84
No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes
Less than Less than 5-10 5-10 11-20 11-20 21-40 21-40
5 years 5 years years years years years years years
Small friendly community
Invested in home/business
Beautiful scenery and landscape
Family and friends live here
Made Seward home
Good job
Engaged and invested in the community
Recreational opportunities
Proximity to trails /wilderness
Good place to raise children
3
No
40+
years
28
Yes
40+
years
Cost of living is too high
No affordable housing
Lack of focus on year-round residents
Inadequate school system
Lack of necessary resources / services
Lack of job opportunities
Lack of health care
No support group
Weather
Travel challenges
YES! Reasons why...
JAIk
12 209
Quality of Life Survey Results SAFETY AN D H EALTH
What healthcare services would you like to see improved in Seward?
Animal hospital
Family health
Eye
Specialist care (e.g. dermatology, oncology, gastroenterology, dialysis, etc.)
Mental health
Senior care
Imaging center (MRIs, X-rays, CT scans, etc)
Labor and Delivery
Pediatrics
Emergency
Pre -natal
Dental
Physical therapy
Are you satisfied with 911
services in Seward?
■ No Yes
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
Count
More paid positions
Better training for employees
Crack down on illegal drugs
More funding and support
New Fire Station
Incentives for volunteers
Better collaboration
Desired 1mProvernents
13 210
Quality of Life Survey Results SAFETY AN D H EALTH
When you call 911 how fast do you expect someone to arrive?
140
120
100
82
80
c
132
60
V 60
40 �
20 V 12
�
0
Less than 5 5-10 minutes 11-20 minutes 21-60 minutes More than an No response Don't know
minutes hour expected
Are you aware that ground
transport EMS services from
Seward to Anchorage are not
currently available in Seward?
The City of Seward should provide
ground transport EMS services
14 211
Quality of Life Survey Results
SCHOOLS
What are the biggest challenges Seward schools are facing?
Inability to attract and keep qualified teachers
Lack of funding
Decreased enrollment in public schools
Lack of confidence in the public school system
Lack of alternative classes and programs offered
Lack of academic rigor
Lack of community support
0
50 100 150 200 250
Count
Do you have school age children living at home?
Yes, they do home school
Yes, they go to
public school
More funding by State/Borough
Don't teach personal idealogies
More affordable housing
Higher level classes
More academic rigor
Higher salaries for teachers
More extra -curricular courses
More community resources
roVe our public schools by...
Imp
15
212
Quality of Life Survey Results C O M MU N I TY EVENTS
How do you find out about events in the community?
Word of mouth
Social media
Flyers posted in public places
Emails from organizations
Public radio
Chamber website
City website
Other
0 50 100 150 200 250
Count
How should Seward improve
marketing events?
• Community newspaper
• Community calendar
Notices in public places
• Other
Seward offers a variety of organzied activities for:
SENIORS
ADULTS
COLLEGE STUDENTS
HIGH SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN
MIDDLE SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN
ELEMENTARY AGE CHILDREN
TODDLERS
103
126
136
91
62
20
130
123
60
130
84
72
138
65
115
128
33
95
136
45
Count
• Agree • Neutral Disagree
1111111111111
16 213
Quality of Life Survey Results COMMUNITY EVENTS
co%
a'�
44r
. events / activities do you wish We
arcade
archery trampoline park
winter activities
bowling alleybing o recreation center
downhill skiing
wellness activities
indoor soccer
indoor recreation
singing holiday events
classes
e eve.
pottery
adult leagues
swimming pool
se
movie theater
performing arts gymnastics family entertainment
fitness classes club
childcare gaming
indoor mountain bike park ice rink
music festival
spa
races
cultural celebrations
educational events
farmer's market
dog park
indoor track
live music martial arts
lighted trails
concerts
golf
art classes
nordic skiing community center youth activities
hiking club dancing music classes
craft space
17
214
Quality of Life Survey Results GOVERNMENT PARTICIPATION
How do you prefer to receive notifications of city meetings?
Emails
Social media ■
Newspaper ■
Newsletters ■
Flyers posted in public places ■
Public radio ■
Word of mouth ■
Other ■
0
50 100 150 200
Count
Involvement in City Government
Are you involved in city decisions and policy -making?
Do you know how you can be involved in city
decisions and policy -making?
Equal representation from outside
city limits
Education on how to participate
More clear communication on up-
coming topics and meetings
Other options besides late night
meetings (surveys, zoom, town
halls, informal meetings)
Better understanding of what is on
the agenda
More trust in elected officials
More civility and respect
See positive results from decisions
made
Shorter meetings
Improve participation by...
122
190
182 128
Count 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350
•Yes ■ No
18
215
Quality of Life Survey Results
ARTS AND CULTURE
Do you participate in the
arts and culture activities / festivals
currently offered in Seward?
Other
Side of Safeway
More walkable murals
Fuel tanks near windmill
\oGat`on `deal
Mora\
Seward needs more arts
and culture activities
Neutral
Native tribe/Native art
Animals
Historical
LGBTQ/Seward Pri
Alaska Railroad de Alliance
I ditarod
Mount Marathon
Education theme/MOuntains
Ships/sailing
and by the children
history
7964 earthquake
Commercial fishing
Ecosystem /E
Veterans
nvironment
Disagree
Agree
Silver Salmon Staten Derby
Kenai Fjords
flag
Norther s National Park
n Lights
Climate change
Wildflowers
Recreation
Lydia Jacoby
Inclusivity
Map of Alaska
Lowell Canyon waterfall
Ceramic
Bicycle °r metal sculpture
Winter sports
Mural design ideas
19
216
Quality of Life Survey Results RECREATION
Seward's strengths regarding parks and recreation opportunities
Access to mountains 0
Access to ocean
Access to tidelands / beaches It -
Proximity and access to regional open spaces (state parks,...
Playgrounds
Community parks
Open space and natural areas
Recreational programs
0
Sports fields —
Proximity and access to local parks and recreation facilities 0
Access to rivers
Indoor recreational facilities
Neighborhood parks
The community's efforts toward sustainability
Sports courts
ADA accessibility of parks and recreation facilities
Other (please specify)
■I
—I
0
50 100
LI
Count
0
0
There are a variety of recreation activities for me to do in the...
SUMMER INDOORS
WINTER INDOORS
SUMMER OUTDOORS
WINTER OUTDOORS
87
139
132
87
258
178
78
■ Agree ■ Neutral Disagree
40
52
20
217
Quality of Life Survey Results
RECREATION
reat1on comments
Rec
l
Community use building
Movie theater
Bowling alley
Indoor track
Swimming pool
Hot tub
Ice rink
Dogpa k lic use of waterfront
ADA accessible fishing
ADA playgrounds
Ski lessons
Winter clubs
Gardens
Extend bike path
Sand volleyball court
Desired recreation events/infrastructure
vents/infrastructure
"Everyone says they want more indoor activities, myself included - a
place to recreate and enjoy but I think what most people think of when
they say indoor activity they mean movie theater and bowling alley. We
live in alaska. Put a rain coat on and get some gear. But as far as young
families we do need indoor places that are reliable. We need better
connected trails and bike paths. We need to encourage outdoor activities
through maintenance. I personally believe we should really tap into the
fact that 50% of the tourism we see is from Alaskans. Alyeska builds a
spa and everyone goes. If we build infrastructure we should build it for
entertaining the masses as well as accomodating our needs."
Recreation input and comments
21
218
Land Use Survey Overview
Overview
D
D
263 responses
24 questions
1) I would support additional restrictions in code to conserve
environmentally significant areas of Seward.
2) I would support additional restrictions in code to conserve historically
significant areas of Seward.
3) What natural hazards are of greatest concern to you within the City of
Seward?
4) Seward should pursue implementing alternative energy sources that
would provide more sustainable and affordable power to the community.
5) Seward should support efforts to promote food security (e.g. community
composting, greenhouses, and hydroponics)
6) Which public services / capital improvements would you support your
tax dollars funding?
7) When considering Seward's existing transportation networks, the
following are strengths for the community today...
8) What concerns do you have regarding parking in the City of Seward?
9) I would support more regulated parking (meters / limited hours) in
congested areas.
10) Seward should support the use of sustainable vehicles (e.g. electric /
hybrid vehicles).
11) Which modes of transportation do you use the most to get around
Seward?
22 219
Land Use Survey Overview
Overview
12) What is the most dangerous place within the City of Seward in regard to
vehicle and/or non -vehicle transportation? Why?
13) If there were a safe sidewalk, trail, or access route, I would use alternative
transporation other than a vehicle to access locations near my residence.
14) Current city code is effective in regulating appropriate land uses in
Seward.
15) If you own property inside city limits, has city code inhibited you from
reasonably using or developing the property you own?
16) What are the barriers to developing land in Seward?
17) Seward currently has a building height restriction of 34', in part to
preserve the character of neighborhoods. This height can approximately
accommodate a 3-story building. What height of buildings do you feel
Seward should allow to more fully utilize the limited land Seward has to build
on while still protecting the viewshed and small-town character?
18) What types of development do you oppose in Seward regardless of
location? Why?
19) Do you own your home?
20) If you own a home or property in the City of Seward, do you rent it out?
21) In your opinion, what are the greatest barriers to purchasing a home in
Seward?
22) In your opinion, what are the greatest barriers to being able to rent a
home / apartment in Seward?
23) When considering Seward's existing housing and residential areas, the
following aspects are strengths...
24) What things are negatively impacting the character of residential
neighborhoods in Seward today?
23 220
Land Use Survey Results CONSERVATION & NATURAL HAZARDS
What natural hazards are of greatest concern to you within Seward?
Flooding
Tsunami
Earthquakes u
Landslides
Excessive wind events
Winter storms
Wildfires
Avalanches
None
0
r
1
20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
Count
I would support additional restrictions in code to conserve...
180
160
140
120
100
0
U 80
60
40
20
0
170
44
Agree
70
39-
49
Neutral Disagree
■ Environmentally significant areas of Seward ■ Historically significant areas of Seward
Seward in general lacks
preparation for natural
haza rds
Balance protection of
land with needs of the
community
Protect parks and
recreational areas
Dissemination of
information following
tsunami alarm needs to
be improved
24 221
Land Use Survey Results
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
& SUSTAINABILITY
What public services / capital improvements
would you support your tax dollars funding?
Maintain current City contract with AVTEC to use gym facilities IL
Funda grant writer position that would seek funding for items listed above t
Build / repair pedestrian walkways
Fix existing public water / sewer mains
Support community sustainability efforts
Add / build recreational facilities
Expand public water / sewer services to undeveloped areas of Seward
Improve streets and roads
Build / upgrade parks or playgrounds
Expand and improve the storm and ground water drainage system
Build a new fire station
Build a new public works building
Construct a new wastewater treatment facility
Build additional docks in the Seward Boat Harbor
Build a new harbormaster's office
Improve street lighting
Build a new police station
0
Seward should support
food security efforts
Disagree
/ / /
20 40 60 80 100
Count
1
1
1
1
120 140 160
Seward should pursue
alternative energy sources
Disagree
25
222
Land Use Survey Results
TRANSPORTATION
250
200
Considering Seward's existing transportation networks,
what are strengths for the community today?
TRAILS
WALKABILITY (PROXIMITY TO AMENITIES)
TRAFFIC FLOW AND LACK OF CONGESTION
SNOW REMOVAL
CONDITION OF ROADWAYS
PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE PATHS
TRANSIT OPTIONS (SHUTTLES, TAXIS, ETC)
CONDITION OF SIDEWALKS
ACCESS TO REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION
166
59
24
140
80
28
134
118
110
91
65
36
68
76
i
98
82
81
102
83
103
What mode of transportation do you
use the most to get around Seward?
150
0 73
U 100
50 10
0
138
1
244
104
• Agree • Neutral Disagree
Shuttle/Taxi Bike/Scooter/ Walking Personalvehicle (gas
Skateboard, etc. or electric)
(electric or manual)
Seward should support
the use of sustainable
vehicles (electric / hybrid)
26 223
Land Use Survey Results TRANSPORTATION
What concerns do you have regarding parking in the City of Seward?
I have no concerns
Lack of parking in business areas
Underutilized parking lots on land that could otherwise be
developed
Too much regulated parking
Other
Lack of regulated parking
Lack of parking in residential areas
Other parking concerns
esidents
seround r shouldn't have to pay for
parking or de aid be
is ou ted price
given a
"Size restrictions for
parking on 4th Ave...do
not allow RVs and truck
ca mpers"
•
0 10 20
"There is way too much
underutilized parking
in our town! Not only is
it wasteful, but it's ugly
too."
30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Count
I would support
more regulated parking
(meters / limited hours)
in congested areas
■ Agree • Neutral uu Disagree
27
224
Land Use Survey Results
TRANSPORTATION
If there were safe sidewalks / trails, I would use
other forms of transportation other than a vehicle
■ Agree • Neutral Disagree
'Improve snow and ice removal on sidewalks
and paths
Extend bike path to mile 8
Improve harbor parking / build parking garages
Build bike path on Nash Road
Build bike path to Exit Glacier
More year-round shuttle and taxi options
Signs directing pedestrians to underpass
tunnel
Better maintenance of roads / pave dirt roads
Transportation Comments
N
Weather (cold and rain)
Live outside of town
Not enough time
Enjoy driving
Roads and sidewalks not
maintained (gravel in spring,
potholes and cracks, snow)
Transporting items (groceries)
N
\r'
Why people would NOT use other
forms of transporation even if there
were safe sidewalks / trails
Port Avenue /Seward Hwy intersection
Safeway
Harbor
Downtown intersections
Third Avenue
Pedestrian underpass
Fourth Avenue
Nash Road
Seward Highway
Washington/Railway/Fifth intersection
Brous location in
Seward
for vehicles / pedestrians
edestrians
for
milim
28
225
Land Use Survey Results
DEVELOPMENT
Disagree
Neutral
Agree
e
Current city code is effective in regulating
appropriate land uses in Seward
74
127
51
/ /
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Count
Cost of installing utilities
Setback requirements are
too restrictive
Permits are excessive and
expensive
Over regulation
Parking requirements are
too high
Can't rebuild older buildings
how they were
Why city code inhibits me...
140
120
100
c 80
u60
40
20
0
/Too many nightly rentals
Code is too restrictive/
discourages development
No enforcement
Should encourage more
development of housing
Inconsistencies within code and
how it is interpreted
Code is antiquated, needs to be
updated
Code is changed based on the
politcal agendas of those in
power
Why city code is NOT effective...
Has city code inhibited you from reasonably
developing the property you own?
131
z-
z-
I don't own property
inside city limits
77-
No Yes
38
29
226
Land Use Survey Results
DEVELOPMENT
c
C
0
0
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
What height of buildings should Seward allow?
7
1-2 stories
148
m
47
3 stories
4-5 stories
Taller buildings in
certain locations
Price of land / Cost to build
Lack of infrastructure
Lack of quality and honest
developers/contractors
Cost of utility installation
Vacant/abandoned buildings
Selective enforcement of
rules
No building supply store
Other barriers to development
What are the barriers to developing land in Seward?
Cost to build
Lack of local building supplies
Lack of land
Lack of available contractors
Challenging terrain
Code restrictions
Lack of developers
Lack of infrastructure
0
50
7
100
150
200
7
250
30
227
Land Use Survey Results DEVELOPMENT / HOUSING
What type of development do you oppose in Seward regardless of location?
Other
Short-term rentals
Tall buildings
Tourism focused development
Marijuana establishments
Hotels
Chain Restaurants / stores
Cruise ship industry expansion
Low income housing
Development that harms the environment
Apartment complexes
Alcohol Businesses
Do you own
your home?
•Yes No
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Count
120
100
80
60
U
40
20
0
If you own a home in Seward, do you rent it out?
MP-ri
Yes, short-term Yes, short-term Yes, long-term No I don't own
rental (whole rental (partial rental property in Seward
house) house / accessory City limits
apt)
31 228
Land Use Survey Results HOUSING
Greatest barriers to purchasing a home in Seward
Price of homes
Competition from second home buyers
Lack of inventory
Cost and complications to build a home
Poor quality of available homes (fixer -uppers)
Lack of vacant land ilMIM
Mortgage interest rates
0 50 100 150 200 250
Count
Greatest barriers to being able to rent a home / apartment in Seward
Lack of available rentals
Cost of monthly rent
Cost of utilities
Don't accommodate pets
Poor condition of available rentals
Rental space is too small (need more bedrooms / storage
space)
IIMEMP
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
Count
32 229
Land Use Survey Results H O U S I NG
Junk in yards and poor landscaping
Short-term rentals
Vacant homes
Ageing homes in need of repair
Lack of sidewalks and bike paths
Drug use / crime
Lack of affordable housing options
Lack of code enforcement
Single-family homes being used as bunkhouses
Traffic congestion
Low-income housing
Loss of viewshed
Cost of living
Noise pollution
Lack of proper waste management
Light pollution
Things negatively impacting
neighborhoods
Strengths of residential neighborhoods in Seward
CHARACTER OF RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS
PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOODS
NEIGHBORHOOD FRIENDLINESS
ORDERLY AND CLEAN YARDS
STUDENT HOUSING
VARIETY OF HOUSING OPTIONS AND TYPES
AVAILABILITY OF EMPLOYEE HOUSING
HOUSING THAT APPEALS TO NEW FAMILIES
QUALITY OF HOUSING
AVAILABILITY OF HOUSING AFFORDABLE FOR THE MIDDLE
CLASS INCOME RANGE
HOUSING THAT APPEALS TO YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
HOUSING OPTIONS FOR RETIREES
147
69
127
67
125
107
58
122
33
118
30
77
23
73
142
20
52
20
139
79
18 34
14
75
14
111
■ Agree ■ Neutral Disagree
33
230
Economy Survey Overview
Overview
D
D
235 responses
13 questions
1) Are you a business owner within the City of Seward?
2) What businesses and services does Seward lack?
3) What are the greatest barriers for year-round businesses?
4) What are the greatest barriers for seasonal businesses?
5) Is the lack of childcare a barrier to your employment or business?
6) What is your preference for summer economic growth in the
community?
7) What is your preference for winter economic growth in the community?
8) What is your preference for population growth in the community?
9) Economic development should be balanced with the need to protect our
environmental resources.
10) Do you work in the tourism industry?
11) How does tourism positively impact Seward?
12) How does tourism negatively impact Seward?
13) How can Seward balance the development of a vibrant year-round
community while still supporting the seasonal business economy?
34
231
electricians stores
indoor recreation
optometrist
rock climbing gym
Economy Survey Results ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Are you a business owner
within the City of Seward?
C
0
U
What are the greatest barriers for seasonal businesses?
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
er
Lack of employee Lower pay / no Lack of employees Weather
housing benefits
hat businesses / services does Seward jack,
k,
hvac services
)mmunity center
veterinary clinic
electrical supplies
healthy dining
grocery store
year-round businesses
plumbing store
school options
healthcare
barbershop
contractors
gardening supplies
restaurant marine supplies specialized medical care bowling alley
hardware store
taxis entertainment venue senior citizen resources childcare electronics store skilled tradesmen movie theater newspaper
office space lu.rriber yard emergency services clothing retail
plumbers performin arts
auto mechanic g
appliance repair youth activities
ice rink building supply 1 store
35
232
Economy Survey Results
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
What are the greatest barriers for year-round businesses?
160
140
120
100
0
80
V
60
40
20
0
Lack of clientele
Lack of
employees
Cost of utilities Lack of housing Weather
Competition from
Anchorage / Soldotna
Seasonal population
Lack of support
Housing
Lack of qualified
workers
Seasonal jobs are
more appealing
Other barriers to business
Is the lack of childcare in
Seward a barrier to your
employment or business? Childcare is not an issue for me because I don't have
children
Becoming a licensed childcare provider is very difficult
and not financially viable
Cost of living in Seward requires both parents to work
Employees cannot work due to lack of childcare
Families can't maximize income because one parent
has to stay home and take care of children
Other childcare comments
1
36
233
Economy Survey Results ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Significant Growth
Growth
No growth
Reduced
Significantly Reduced
What is your preference for growth in Seward?
MEMMl--911.11
Count 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
■ Population growth Winter economic growth • Summer economic growth
Economic
development
should be
balanced with
the need to
protect our
environmental
resources
• Agree
Neutral
• Disagree
'Seward needs balanced growth
(economy and infrastructure to
support more housing and services)
More support for year-round
population (reduce cost of living)
Protect the environmental resources
Encourage businesses that will attract
and retain young people and families
Economic growth comments
37
234
Economy Survey Results
Do you work in the
tourism industry?
TOURISM
How does tourism positively impact Seward?
Generates income for
the City through taxes
Provides a destination for
visitors to come to Seward
Creates business and
employement opportunities
150 155 160 165 170 175 180 185 190 195 200 205
Count
How does tourism negatively impact Seward?
Puts a strain on the environmental resources
Creates noise pollution (traffic, ships, helicopters, people, etc.)
Slows cellular and internet reception
Increases cost of living
Drives up costs of food and other products
Long tines at stores and restaurants
Increased traffic
Puts a strain on parking
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180
Count
38 235
Economy Survey Results
TOURISM
How can Seward balance the development of a vibrant year-round
community while still supporting the seasonal business economy?
Provide more incentives for
year-round residents and
businesses (tax incentives,
utility discounts, discounts at
stores and restaurants, etc)
Support a stronger
school system and
other educational
opportunities
Increase and promote
winter tourism and events
Focus on balanced growth.
Make sure services and
infrastructure can support
growing tourism demands.
Promote
ecotourism
Focus on supporting
year-round residents
and businesses
Have the cruise ship
industry provide
more services and
amenities for Seward
Limit short-term rentals
and vacation homes /
second home purchases
Create more housing
Implement strategies to
grow the population - use the
Chamber to advertise Seward
as a place to live and work
(target individuals who can
work remotely)
Tax tourists and seasonal
businesses more
Start a Tourism Best
Management Practices
program
Create more fun things
to do year-round
Promote Seward as a
birding destination
Reduce tourism
advertising
39
236
October
2025 October 2025 November 2025
SuMo TuWe Th Fr Sa SuMo TuWe Th Fr Sa
1 2 3 4 1
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
Sep 28
29
30
Oct 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Municipal
Election Day
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
5:30pm CC WS 1
I 7:00pm P&Z Mtg
CANCFI I FD
I 12:00pm PACAB
CANCELLED
I I Alaska Day
7.00pm CC Mtg I
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
6:00pm P&Z WS
26
27
28
29
30
31
Nov 1
7.00pm CC Mtg
Council Calendar
1
237
10/1/2025 11:43 AM
November
2025 November December 2025
SuMo TuWe Thh Fr Fr Sa SuMo TuWe Th Fr Sa
1 1 2 3 4 5 6
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
23 24 25 26 27 28 29 28 29 30 31
30
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
Oct 26
27
28
29
30
31
Nov 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
7:00pm P8i7 Mtg]
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
7.00pm CC Mtg 1
n Veteran's Day I
16:00pm HPC
WS/Mtg
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
1 12.00pm PACAB
6:00pm P&Z WS 1
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
Day After
Thanksgiving
7.00pm CC Mtg 1
Thanksgiving
Day
30
Dec 1
2
3
4
5
6
Council Calendar
2
238
10/1/2025 11:43 AM
December 2025
December January 2026
SuMo TuWe Thh Fr Sa SuMo TuWe Th Fr Sa
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
Nov 30
Dec 1
2
3
4
5
6
7-00pm PA/7 Mtgl
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
7.00pm CC Mtg I
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
6:00pm P&Z WS I
1 12:00pm PACAB I
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
1 7:00pm CC Mtg I
I I Christmas Eve I
I I Christmas Day I
28
29
30
31
Jan 1, 26
2
3
Council Calendar
3
239
10/1/2025 11:43 AM